Crime, and the fear of crime, is a major concern for many small businesses. 64 per cent of businesses have been victims of crime in the last year at a cost of £2900 for each business, but many feel they are not getting an adequate response from the police.
Ann Swain, Home Affairs Chairman
Businesses have a key role to play, in partnership with the police and local authorities, in tackling crime and contributing to safer and more sustainable communities. Crime against business is not just a crime against the business but its staff, customers and wider community. All too often scarce financial resources are wasted dealing with the after effects of crime which in turn deters further investment and employment opportunities and can hasten business closure.
The FSB wants police forces to recognise the benefits, in terms of crime reduction, of rolling out a national definition for crimes against business to ensure that these crimes are recorded and monitored in a uniform way across the country. Targets to tackle crimes against business should be included in every local policing plan and be underpinned by local business crime strategies and effective consultation with the business community.
Useful links
Latest FSB reports
FSB Localism and tackling crimes against business 2010
FSB Putting the economy back on track: Crimes against business 2008
FSB Inhibiting Enterprise: Fraud and online crime against small businesses 2009
Advice for businesses
Easy to use online crime prevention tool for businesses
Neighbourhood Policing Units - find your local unit here
Getsafeonline - advice for businesses
National Identity Fraud Prevention Week
Card fraud advice for retailers
Fraud Advisory Panel advice for small businesses
Action Fraud - a reporting centre for all types of fraud, set up by the National Fraud Authority
Business Continuity Planning
National Counter Terrorism Security Office Crowded Places guidance
Expecting the Unexpected publication
Secure in the Knowledge publication
Government Preparing for Emergencies website
UK Resilience website