One of Plymouth’s ongoing problems has been youth disorder around suburban convenience stores. This led to discussions with senior staff of Co-Op South West who simply wanted neighbourhood officers to call into Co-Op stores, share a coffee with staff and be a visible presence on occasions. This simple request was agreed to but it was felt more could be done. Operation Talents 2 was created as a joint initiative to empower more staff and build relationships between the two.

The Co-Op stores have been a long term supporter of PACT so the use of them as the basis for joint working was an easy decision for both parties. Police and Co-Op staff analysed their data to identify areas where stores faced crime issues and there were public concerns about disorder in the vicinity.

Once again neighbourhood policing funds were used to provide police in the eight identified areas with £500 and on this occasion the M.D of the Co-Op provided £500 to each of its store managers. Plymouth University was asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the scheme and its projects.

Talents 2 is still ongoing and will report during December 08, but already the 8 projects are showing real promise, with over £30,000 of partner investment having been achieved. Whilst the projects themselves are important, the improved relationship between police and Co-Op staff and them working together on PACT priorities is a real benefit for the City. Crime Stoppers are now supporting this scheme, adding their branding and ideas to the projects.

A new innovation linked to Operation Talents 2 is the “Power Up Day”. This has arisen because many influential individuals have been impressed and are keen to be involved. The first Talents “Power Up Day” was held in October 2008 when over 50 well connected and influential people were invited into the Police Station and presented on the projects so far. They were invited to “Power Up” projects with their resources and contacts.