Devon and Cornwall Police tackle business crime in week of action
Pop up crime prevention advice stands will be in areas including Honiton, Exmouth, Exeter, Barnstaple, Torquay, Plymouth and Newquay
Last updated 16th Oct 2023
Officers from Devon & Cornwall Police are supporting a national week of action to help tackle business crime.
The initiative, co-ordinated by the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), aims to strengthen relationships between retail, security staff and police.
From Monday 16 October, business business owners and security staff will be equipped with the tools to tackle business crime and taught about the support available to help protect them and their organisations.
Joe Champness is the Crime Prevention and Business Crime Lead for Devon & Cornwall Police. He said: "In recent years, the business community has experienced a range of new threats that have been further compounded by the rising cost of living. Businesses have become more vulnerable to crime and, through a partnership approach, we are looking to tackle the issues being faced.
"This week of action will enable us to undertake targeted responses to issues being faced in the business community. It also allows us to engage with businesses throughout the force to better understand their issues, and work in collaboration to develop long term solutions. The week of action will see officers and staff carry out targeted operations and store visits, offer crime prevention advice and take part in high visibility reassurance patrols."
Pop up crime prevention advice stands in busy shopping areas such as Honiton, Exmouth, Exeter, Barnstaple, Torquay, Plymouth and Newquay. The Exeter event takes place on Mon 16 Oct between 12-2pm at Tesco store in Rydon Lane.
Some of the events taking place during the week of action include:
Plain clothed officers taking part in anti shoplifting operations
Linking in with local Business Improvement District (BID) managers and other business community partners to discuss concerns and find solutions
Visits to licensed premises to offer advice around anti-social behaviour
Patrols with local Councillors to better understand the local concerns in places such as North Devon
Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: "I speak to too many hard-working retailers whose livelihoods and welfare is threatened by shoplifting and too many people who run their own businesses who are sick of having vital tools and equipment stolen from their premises and vehicles.
"I am pleased Devon and Cornwall Police is sending the message that this will not be tolerated and would urge businesses to work with the force by ensuring all crime is reported. It is only when we have a true and accurate picture of an issue we can put in place the necessary resources to counter it."
During the week of action local policing teams across Devon & Cornwall will carry out various crime prevention activities and initiatives to increase engagement with local businesses and retail outlets. They will also aim to improve relationships and offer signposting advice to help prevent crimes from occurring in the first place.
Businesses can be affected by a wide variety of crimes from theft, burglary and cyber crime to abusive or violent behaviour directed at staff. A Safer Business Action event is all about partnership working, with the police, business, private security, Business Crime Reduction Partnerships and Business Improvement Districts, working together to reduce crime.