Southampton BID Team Praised for Swift Action Following Knife Incident

On 29 August 2025, at approximately 13:02, members of our Southampton BID security team, Matt and Gary, were alerted by a member of the public to a concerning situation in the city centre. A male had been spotted carrying a large knife tucked into the back of his trousers.

Responding immediately, the BID team located the individual and, after confirming reasonable grounds, made the arrest in the city centre. They secured both the weapon and the offender, using temporary restraints where appropriate, and maintained control of the situation for over an hour until police arrived on scene.

This incident is a clear example of the important role that BID security teams play in delivering proactive, community-focused protection, effectively acting as a visible layer of private policing that safeguards not just individual premises, but the wider public space.

Peter Fisher, Director of Risk and Intelligence at ASEL, praised the team’s handling of the incident: “This is an outstanding example of the professionalism and vigilance our officers bring to city centres every day. Matt and Gary’s quick thinking and calm response helped to prevent a potentially serious incident, protecting not just one store but the entire business and visitor community. It highlights the real value of having trained, capable teams on the ground.”

A representative of Southampton BID said: “The swift response of our BID security team demonstrates their dedication to keeping our city safe. By quickly recovering the knife and preventing any potential harm, they reaffirm the importance of having a strong, visible presence on our streets. We are proud of their vigilance and commitment to protecting the people who live, work, and visit our city”