Security patrols in central Richmond are being stepped up amid concerns about a rise in shoplifting and an increase in antisocial behaviour over the summer.

The Patrol Team is operated by Be Richmond, which is funded by levies on businesses, as part of a wider effort to improve the attractiveness and safety of the area.

Be Richmond has confirmed there are have been concerns from local retailers about an increase in shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and other low level crime issues.

The team consists of Mohammed Khatem and Basir Ahmed, two experienced operatives who have now been patrolling the area for 18 months and have developed relationships with many local businesses.

Historically, the patrols, which operate alongside the local police, took place between 3pm and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. However, these operating hours will now be extended

The new patrol times are 11am-7pm on Thursdays with 1pm until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Be Richmond confirmed these changes stemmed from feedback from businesses in the area that were looking for an effective deterrent to daytime shoplifting. The patrols also offer reassurance to shoppers.

Another issue raised was the safety of hospitality staff to make their way to the train and bus stations after a late night at work.

Safety and security in the town centre was identified as an issue during a ballot of businesses in 2021. Amongst the retail and hospitality businesses canvassed, 83% requested longer Patrol Team hours.

The changes come against the background of calls from residents, community groups and the Richmond Park MP, Sarah Olney, for the re-opening of a police station in the centre.

Be Richmond partners with Parkguard to provide this important service. Parkguard is accredited under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) by the Metropolitan Police and is also a service provider to the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (LBRUT).

Be Richmond Manager, Ellen Amorina Storrar said: "In response to requests from member businesses, we have increased the hours of the Be Richmond Patrol Team.

"This means that the team is visible for a greater portion of the day and evening during the busy weekend period, not only to support retail and hospitality businesses, but also to deter low level crime and anti-social behaviour so that everyone can enjoy Richmond safely."

Be Richmond spokesperson Brett Hindson told Nub News: "The patrols first started in Spring 2018 under the name 'the street security team' run by the welcome people and the job was initially to be a visible deterrent for shop lifting and other antisocial activities.

"Since then the patrol has taken over by the Parkguard who have a pre-existing relationship with the Council.

"It was important that for any locals or commuters through Richmond to see there was someone they could go to and talk to if they felt unsafe. All we're trying to do is help

"Lately we have been trying to reallocate time and resources to give a little bit more support to the retailers.

"Antisocial behaviour tends to be more evident during the summer when people come down to the riverside to drink gallons of lager so that is still to come this year.

"Nearly 90% of the 50 retailers we spoke to wanted to see more support for retail to show a visible deterrent to shoplifting.

"Similarly an important part of making sure people feel confident in the hospitality sector is ensuring the employees feel safe when going home at night and that sense of security is provided by this patrol."

Project officer Isobel Pickles also told Nub News: "The feedback we have been getting from retailers is they would like an extended presence, longer operation hours and we have tried to use allocate the resources we have in the places they're needed most at the time they're needed most.

"For example; concentrating patrols in the town centre along George Street, Hill Street and the quadrant during retail hours to make sure there is as much presence there as possible while the shops are open.

"Anecdotally, shoplifting has increased over the last few months, when talking to businesses they say they have had more problems of recent with it and they have personally asked us to increase the presence of the patrol team to act as a deterrent.

"The wider picture is that by supporting these businesses and ensuring a level of safety we can draw people to Richmond to spend their time and their money here."