Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner announces crackdown on business crime

Donna Jones, the police and crime commissioner, has announced a business crime partnership bringing together businesses, professional organisations, the police, and public sector agencies to help reduce crime. The new partnership, which will “increase reporting” and “information sharing”, was announced on Wednesday, October 16 at John Lewis, Westquay, Southampton.

Members of the initiative will work together to find effective ways of preventing crime effecting businesses and is part of the PCC’s aim to identify, prevent and tackle all forms of crime affecting businesses across Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight.

PCC Donna Jones said: “As commissioner, I am a voice for thousands of businesses. As their representative, it is my duty to understand their crime concerns and to ensure they receive a robust policing response.

“This new Partnership will mean increased reporting and enhanced information sharing between the business community, the police and criminal justice agencies. It will also mean more support for victims and assistance for perpetrators who want to change their lives and stop reoffending.

“Shoplifting makes people feel really unsafe in their communities, and it is often linked to serious and organised crime, putting businesses and livelihoods at risk. The chief constable and I share a zero tolerance approach to retail crime.” The announcement was made during Safer Business Action Week which is run by the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC). The focus of the week is to engage with businesses, identify and catch suspects, crime prevention and raising awareness.

Donna Jones said: “Every year, businesses are victims of crimes including shoplifting, fraud, scams, and theft. Added into the mix are prolific offenders and organised crime gangs who steal to order.

“My new Partnership will keep business crime at the top of everyone’s agenda. By sharing resources and working together, I am determined to increase confidence across the business community.”

Superintendent Patrick Holdaway, who leads the National Business Crime Centre, said: “Business crime partnerships play a key role in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour at a local level. It is fantastic to see the launch of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight BCP and demonstrates the commitment to help protect businesses by PCC Donna Jones alongside policing and partners.

“The new Partnership will have the full support of the NBCC and we are delighted to have attended the launch which coincides with the national week of action to tackle business crime.”

 Beth Simpson, the regional manager for Crimestoppers, said: “It was a really positive first meeting today full of very interesting information but also concrete actions going forward. The message came out loud and clear that retail crime and business crime aren’t victimless crimes. It’s vital we are able to tackle them and reduce the impact on individuals who are affected.”

Regional chair of the Federation of Small Businesses South Central Region, Rob Dewing, said: “The launch of this new partnership to fight crimes against businesses of all sizes is strongly welcomed by the Federation of Small Business. Whether the issue is high levels of shoplifting, violence against shop staff, or the theft of a skilled craftsman's van and tools, crime has devastating effects on local businesses every day.

“At a time of ever growing pressures on policing and the criminal justice system, the increasing focus which will come from the Police and Crime Commissioner's Partnership is a big step in the right direction.”

Further information on the business crime partnership can be found on the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner website.