Your York BID 
Safe
Looking after the city
Your York BID
Safe
Looking after the city
As a popular destination for its historical beauty and vibrant nightlife, York BID aims to make the city a welcoming environment for all who visit the city centre.
We aim to achieve this through a combined approach, via our own Street Rangers and Taxi Marshal programmes, and by working in partnership with other agencies.
Our programmes focus on ensuring that everyone - tourists, shoppers, families, and our very own residents - safely enjoys all that York has on offer.
Street Rangers
Offer a prompt and visible response to concerns relating to public safety, anti-social behaviour, security incidents, and shoplifting.
The Street Rangers scheme has been in operation since the BID’s first term and has proven to be an invaluable asset in deterring and detaining shoplifters, as well as addressing anti-social and disorderly behaviour in the city centre. Widely trusted by local businesses, the Rangers are often the first to respond to incidents and are recognised for their friendly, approachable, and reassuring presence.
The Rangers work in close partnership with key stakeholders to address both ongoing and emerging safety concerns. They convene weekly meetings attended by representatives from North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council, facilitating the sharing of intelligence and coordination of resources.
Taxi & Riverside Marshals
Taxi & Riverside Marshals are an essential line of support, helping curb anti-social behaviour and enhance public safety in key locations.
The Taxi Marshal programme runs from April to December at Duncombe Place & St Saviourgate Taxi Ranks on key Friday & Saturday nights. The Marshals manage queues, deter ASB and illegal pick-ups, and reduce noise. The initiative is funded by local businesses, residents, and the Licensing Team at City of York Council.
The Riverside Marshal programme runs throughout the busy Summer months at King's Staith and the surrounding areas, working in partnership with door staff and York Rescue Boat to tackle ASB and promote river safety.
York BID Safety Network
Working Together for a Safer York
York BID runs a range of initiatives designed to reduce the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour in the city centre – all as part of our Purple Flag agenda: creating a safe, vibrant, and diverse city for everyone to enjoy.
The network includes schemes such as a city-wide radio scheme and Sentry Secure Intelligence System, PubWatch and ShopWatch, Best Bar None and Purple Flag accreditation.
Purple Flag
Accredited excellence in the Evening and Night-Time Economy.
York’s commitment to providing a safe, vibrant, and diverse environment has been recognised with the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation from the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM). This designation affirms that York offers a secure and welcoming experience for both residents and visitors, from early evening through to late at night.
Safe Cycle Initiatives
York BID is working closely with the local authority and transport providers to make the city centre as accessible as possible.
In 2019, York BID added more than 90 bike parking spaces to the city. This increased the overall capacity of city centre cycle parking by 10%. Along with this, we brought seven new sign posts showing a map of city cycle routes and all the available cycle parking.
We also work with City of York Council to identify and remove abandoned bikes, freeing up much-needed space for our keen cyclists! To date over 200 abandoned bikes have been removed, refurbished or repurposed.
Partnerships with Local Agencies
Playing an active role in promoting safety across the city.
We collaborate closely with York’s police force, community organisations, and Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers on key initiatives, including Operation Erase, Operation Safari, and City Centre Hotspots meetings. These projects focus on addressing issues such as alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, supporting vulnerable individuals, and assisting the homeless.
Additionally, York BID plays an active role in the nighttime economy and counter-terrorism groups, ensuring that the business community has a strong voice in matters of safety and security.
“Since the Marshals have been in place we have seen a reduction in complaints from local residents and businesses in this area relating to ASB issues, and complaints about taxis not parking at the correct location on the rank.”
Lesley Cooke, Licensing Manager, City of York Council
More Projects
Reimagining and reinventing public spaces for relaxation, rest and play