Bogotá. October 2023. The Bogota Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the National Police and the Secretariat of Security, Coexistence and Justice, is proud to announce the launch of the Extortion Prevention Program: "Safe Shops Network". The main objective of this project is to strengthen the joint work between shopkeepers and police authorities for the prevention of crime and the creation of safe and favorable environments for businesses in the selected neighborhoods.

In this regard, the executive president of the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, Ovidio Claros, commented: "at the Chamber we work to continue accompanying the business sector, building agreements and conciliations that are rooted in the values with which the Chamber of Commerce works: respect, honesty and legality. We trust in the work with the communities and the possibility of intervening through them in the daily realities of each citizen, dialogue is a fundamental basis to face every crossroads".

This initiative will prioritize three neighborhoods of the city in the localities of Bosa, Kennedy and Suba, benefiting around 90 stores with the goal of promoting co-responsibility in security. This project will be carried out through various phases that include training, consolidation of the network of stores, business training, communication strategies and impact measurement, and will work to achieve four crucial objectives:

- Fostering co-responsibility in security: this project seeks to materialize the concept of co-responsibility, promoting citizen participation in security matters and strengthening social ties in the neighborhoods.

- Strengthening trust in the authorities: Facilitating joint work between merchants and the police to build ties in the community, reducing not only extortion but also crime in general.

- Increased reporting: Through the trust built with the authorities and awareness of reporting routes, it is expected to increase reporting and the exchange of essential information.

- Positive impact on supply chains: A safer environment will facilitate the operation and creation of businesses in areas previously considered dangerous for extortion.

Importance of neighborhood stores and the shopkeeper

Neighborhood stores represent an essential distribution channel in Colombia, generating employment and livelihood for hundreds of thousands of families. According to CCB figures, 99.2% of the companies in Bogota and the Region are MSMEs and according to Fenaltiendas, approximately 550,000 shopkeepers contribute significantly to the national economy. In addition to their commercial function, these stores are meeting points and build community relationships based on trust.

Shopkeepers are not only retailers, but also leaders and mediators in their communities, playing a fundamental role in society. They are also key customers for large companies, influencing consumers' purchasing decisions and positioning products in the marketplace. However, these stores face significant challenges, including extortion and theft, which affect their bargaining and management capabilities. This initiative aims to address these challenges and strengthen the position of neighborhood stores and their shopkeepers in the community and in the marketplace.

This program represents a significant step towards safer and more prosperous communities in Bogotá. We appreciate the commitment of all parties involved and look forward to seeing the positive impact of the "Red de Tiendas Seguras" in the neighborhoods and in the lives of shopkeepers.