This in from the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Ed
The survey, being run in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Southampton Businesses Against Crime (SOBAC), and the Chamber of Commerce, follows extensive engagement by Simon Hayes with members of the wider business community.
Establishing what types of crimes committed
The aim of the survey is to establish what types of crime have been committed against businesses, the impact this had on them, whether they were reported and whether any police response influenced how they would react in the future.
It also seeks to establish what the Commissioner can do to improve the ways in which crime against businesses could be reduced.
Simon Hayes said:
“In January a business crime definition was nationally agreed. This set out for the first time exactly what constituted business crime, thus enabling the police to assess its impact. Since then Hampshire Constabulary have started to develop a business crime strategy and have implemented measures to identify business crime to more effectively deal with it.
“This is timely as through my extensive engagement programme, I have met many members of the business community, and a common theme that emanated from talking to them was a view that business crime was treated differently to other crimes.
“I have since worked closely with the Constabulary to develop a Business Crime Strategy that aims to improve confidence through continued engagement and understanding. As with rural crime, I want to see Hampshire Constabulary improve the consistency in recording crimes against businesses and to improve solved crime rates.”
The Commissioner concluded:
“I see the business crime strategy being a partnership through the police working closely with the business community to achieve common aims and objectives.”
David Springer, Hampshire FSB Business Crime spokesperson, said:
“Initial FSB research suggests that a quarter of all crime is business related. Small businesses are the heart of the local and national UK economy, and are considered key to economic recovery through their potential to drive growth and jobs.
“In order to tackle business crime, there must be an awareness of its true extent. We are therefore delighted to have worked with the Police and Crime Commissioner, as this survey will help to raise the profile of this type of crime and feedback will help inform the business crime strategy and fully integrate it into policing priorities.”
Take part in survey
The survey can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/businesscrime or on the Commissioner’s website and will available for completion until mid-day on Friday, October 17.
