West Midlands Pulls Off A First In Tackling Business Crime

With business crime estimated to be costing the region in excess of £123m a year, and accounting for a quarter of all recorded crime, the forum aims to make a significant dent in the figures through a package of measures including supporting partnership working, offering focused training packages for staff, and promoting the Safer Business Awards in town and city centre Business Crime Partnerships.

Speaking to an audience of more than 230 business leaders, police and officials at today’s launch, Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs Ian Pearson MP said:

“Business crime is not victimless. Not only does crime affect the owner of the business, it affects staff and customers, and ultimately the whole community.

“Who wants to shop in a retail environment which is blighted by high crime? Who wants to trade on an industrial estate where stolen cars are regularly dumped and burnt out? We need to ensure agencies, partnerships and Government departments are all actively involved in reducing business crime and I am pleased to see the West Midlands has taken the bold and adventurous step in establishing the first Regional Business Crime Forum in the UK.”

“It is important for our economy, for the safety of our citizens and for the stability of our society that we tackle business crime. Working in partnership is the way to do it and I’m delighted to see the progress that is being made in the West Midlands.”

Bob Golding, Assistant Chief Constable Warwickshire Police and West Midlands Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) lead on business crime said:

“This really is a true partnership, with all the key players in the region working together in the Forum. Together we have a strong voice in influencing policy, in acting strategically to a common end, and in making a genuine impact on the figures. Today is about spreading the word to businesses of all sizes through the region that
their concerns are taken seriously, and that business owners, staff and customers have a right to work, shop and enjoy their leisure time in a safe environment.”