Scheme set to help protect businesses against crime

A new £75,000 training scheme to help small retailers across England and Wales avoid becoming victims of crime has been announced today by the Home Office.

It is hoped that trainees will take the lessons back to their communities and more than 5,500 people will benefit overall. The training will cover areas such as: staff protection; cooperation; making businesses more secure; how design can reduce crime; and where businesses can go for further help.

Home Office Minister, Hazel Blears, said: "Tackling business crime is very important to the government. It can have a huge impact on local neighbourhoods where small businesses are the cornerstone of the community and contribute greatly to the local economy.

"We have listened to the business community who said they want more training on how to beat criminals."

"But businesses also have to help themselves to tackle crime. By working together, building on existing schemes and making sure they use the training effectively businesses can have a real impact on the crimes that affect them."

Funding for the training will come from underspend in the £200,000 running costs element of the £15 million Security for Small Retailers scheme.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) will run the scheme on behalf of the Home Office and will target nearly 600 key people in local businesses nationwide through 28 seminars.

David Rae, Chief Executive of the ACS, said: "Crime is the number one issue facing small stores, and this initiative aims to provide lasting support for this important sector of the retail market.

"Small stores play a vital social and economic role in every local community. We are confident that by delivering action to help those who need it most, the Home Office and ACS are helping to secure the future of these stores."

The government set up the scheme following consultation with retailers and other businesses.

Seminars will start on 17 December, and businesses wanting more information on the seminars should call George Pizarro, ACS, on 01252 515001.

(gmcg)