The Police Service of Northern Ireland is joining police forces and partners across the UK this week to support Safer Business Action Week, a national initiative coordinated by the National Business Crime Centre focused on tackling business and retail crime.
Beginning on Monday 9 November, the week of action will bring together police, businesses and communities to help prevent crime, target offenders and improve safety for business owners, staff and customers. As part of the initiative, police and partners will be running Safer Business Action Days throughout the week, visiting local businesses to gain a better understanding of the challenges they face on a daily basis.
Superintendent Lisa Maslen of the National Business Crime Centre said:
“Safer Business Action Week provides an important opportunity to highlight the challenges businesses face on a daily basis, while recognising the continued partnership work taking place across the country.
“The outcomes we have seen from these joint efforts demonstrate the positive impact of police, local authorities and the business community working together to reduce harm and make places safer for people to work and shop.”
Across Northern Ireland, local policing teams will carry out business crime focused activity, including high-visibility patrols, engagement with local businesses, targeted action against offenders and practical crime prevention advice.
Superintendent Pete Cunningham, the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Business Crime Lead, said:
“Businesses and retailers are central to communities in Northern Ireland. They provide vital services, create employment and help our towns and city centres thrive.
“Crime against businesses can have a significant impact, particularly on staff who may experience theft, antisocial behaviour, intimidation or abuse in the course of their work. Safer Business Action Week is an important opportunity to listen to businesses, strengthen our partnerships and take practical action to prevent crime, support victims and target those responsible.
“Our officers will be out engaging with businesses and communities throughout the week. We encourage business owners, employees and members of the public to speak to them, share concerns and make use of the crime prevention advice and reporting options available.
“Safer Business Action Week demonstrates the value of police, businesses and partners working together. We recognise that business crime can be under-reported and would encourage everyone to report crimes or any suspicious activity, so we can build an accurate picture of the issues affecting our local areas. By sharing information, reporting incidents and taking sensible crime prevention measures, we can better understand local issues, prevent offending and pursue those who cause harm.”
Throughout the week, businesses and the public may see additional police presence as our officers will be speaking with business owners, managers and staff to understand local concerns, provide reassurance and share advice on preventing and reporting crime.
Businesses can help protect their staff, premises and stock by:
- reporting all crime and antisocial behaviour, as this helps police understand the scale and nature of local issues
- ensuring staff know what to do if an incident occurs and prioritising their safety
- keeping CCTV systems maintained and ensuring footage can be provided when requested
- recording relevant details after an incident, including descriptions, times, locations, vehicle registrations and any witnesses
- reviewing security arrangements, including lighting, access controls, stock displays and procedures for opening and closing premises; an
- engaging with local policing teams and business crime partnerships to share concerns and receive crime prevention advice
We urge everyone to report any suspicions or crimes. In an emergency, call 999. For non-emergency incidents, report online at www.psni.police.uk/report or call 101.
We would also encourage everyone to sign up to PSNI Connect. It is a free community engagement platform that enables residents, businesses and community groups to keep in touch with local police, raise concerns and receive feedback on how local police are addressing local issues. To sign up to your local PSNI Connect, visit www.psniconnect.co.uk
Further advice and information on Business Crime is available at:www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/advice-and-information/business-crime
