Member’s premises are private property. An invitation is extended to the public to enter, normally for the purpose of trading/parking their vehicle etc. This invitation to enter can be refused at any time provided the reason for the exclusion is not racist or sexist.

Shops in the City of Birmingham join the Scheme and sign up to the Data Protection Act 1998, Code of Practice, Operating Guidelines and Constitution. This allows certain confidential information to be legally shared between member stores, police, etc. in compliance with the Data Integrity law.

The serving of an Exclusion Notice on a person means that if they enter any member’s premises, they do so as a trespasser and should be requested to leave immediately. The normal law in relation to trespass applies and if necessary, allows the owner of the premises to use reasonable force to eject that person if they refuse to leave voluntarily. The whole object of the scheme is that thieves are not given the opportunity to steal or commit other offences and consequently, a considerable crime reduction is achieved.

Police photographs of Target Criminals together with retail photographs of  persons excluded etc. are circulated to all members in order to assist in identifying  excluded persons.

Window stickers are displayed in the member’s shop window showing membership of the scheme.

Representatives from each store and police officers attend a 'Security Meeting' each month. Information/intelligence and photographs are exchanged at this meeting.

Any incident whether it is theft, violence, disorder, damage or unsociable conduct, could attract the service of an Exclusion Notice.

Magistrates are invited by the Crown Prosecution Service to deal more severely with Excluded Persons who re-offend.

The local West Midlands Police Retail Crime Unit based at Steelhouse Lane Police Station have agreed to assist any member eject an “Excluded Person” from their premises.

The Exclusion Notice remains in force for a period of twelve months unless  that person re-offends, in which case, the exclusion will be extended. There is a right of appeal to the Scheme’s Steering Committee.

Information concerning each Excluded Person is collated by the Scheme Manager and circulated to members as necessary.

Professional Indemnity Insurance covers all members against possible litigation.

The West Midlands Police Retail Crime Unit sends “Ringmaster” messages to all members on an automatic telephone/fax system.