The SafeCity Network database, launched by the National Retail Association with the support of Brisbane City Council and Crime Stoppers, will be trialled over a 12-month period for all retailers across Brisbane CBD and Fortitude Valley.

Retailers involved in the trial will be given a login to an online software program where they can anonymously upload CCTV footage and reports of crimes they have experienced to share with others in the area.

The database would allow a better information flow between businesses after it was understood only about 20 per cent of retail crimes were reported to police, an NRA spokeswoman said.

Crime Stoppers chief executive Trevor O’Hara said the trial was free to use and would better equip businesses against scams and retail theft.

“No single operator has the capacity to tackle retail crime alone, however with the NRA SafeCity Network, retailers can access a bank of new information on crimes that may have gone unreported otherwise, to better connect the dots, tackle problem perpetrators, and share that information with each other and local law enforcement,” Mr O’Hara said.

There will be monthly workshops for retailers to hear about retail crime trends in the region and also a dedicated Crime Stoppers hotline where retailers can report crime which would otherwise not be enough to make a police report, such as missing stock.

The Australia-first trial comes off the back of a spate of crimes across Brisbane and the Gold Coast allegedly linked to Irish nationals accused of ripping off Brisbane restaurants and businesses to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars over the past six weeks.

The NRA SafeCity Network trial recieved funding from the Commonwealth, with the first workshops taking place in Brisbane on Tuesday March 20 and Fortitude Valley March 27.

Retailers wanting more information can contact the NRA on 1800 RETAIL or email info@nra.net.au