Campaign to protect business owners and economy

SOUTH Yorkshire Police are reaching out to firm owners to inform them of how to  protect their assets in a bid to cut business crime.

The new campaign slogan is ‘You Don’t Need Superpowers to Protect your Business’ and companies are being informed about free services available to them.

Chief Insp Richard Butterworth, force lead for business crime, said: “We are determined to ensure that businesses feel safe and supported and have confidence to report crime.

“Whether you’re a shop keeper, landlord, butcher or engineer, we are here to protect you, to protect livelihoods and in turn protect the region’s economy.

“Through some free and simple steps, we can help keep South Yorkshire open for business and closed to criminals.”

From shoplifting and metal theft, arson and burglary, to fraud and assault, business crime is defined as any criminal offence committed against a person or property that has a connection to a business.

It accounts for 17 per cent of all recorded crime in South Yorkshire, with shoplifting making up two thirds of that figure.

The second most common offence is making off without payment at petrol stations, followed by using fake plates when making off without payment, burglary, criminal damage and theft from motor vehicles.

To address the issue, South Yorkshire Police has a dedicated business crime group as well as a team of business crime advisors.

Chief Insp Butterworth added: “One of our biggest assets is our team of specialist advisors who will visit you and carry out a free security survey.

“They will look at all the ways you can reduce the chances of being a victim of crime from security fencing, property marking and lighting to protection of data.

“Businesses can also access a free bizkit on our website that features information about a variety of subjects including cyber security, lone working, cash on premises and social media.

“They will also find regular crime prevention features, links to national websites, spotlights on emerging trends, contact details, campaign updates and interviews with members of the business crime team.”

The force is working alongside members of the business community, including the Federation of Small Businesses.

Gordon Millward, regional chairman of the FSB, said: “Criminal activity is one of the major barriers to growth within the small business community.

“Whether it manifests in the simplest form of shoplifting or the more sophisticated computer fraud and data theft, business crime has a direct impact on the bottom line of the business, causing job losses and economic stagnation.

“It is vital that small businesses work in partnership with the police and local authorities to stamp out business crime and secure jobs and prosperity for present and future generations.”

To book your free security assessment email [email protected].

To access free toolkits visit southyorks.police.uk/bizkits and follow @syptweet #ProtectYourBusiness.