Survey reveals falling business crime rate

According to the latest figures in the first national Government business crime survey conducted since 1994, overall crime is down 30% since 1997.

Crime against retailers is seven percentage points lower than almost ten years ago and crime against manufacturers 12 percentage points lower.

Welcoming the figures, Home Office Minister, Hazel Blears, said: "Crime against business is a serious issue. We recognise that businesses have real concerns about crime, and its effect upon both the business and its staff.

"Violence against staff is unacceptable and we are committed to tackling all forms of violent crime. Police forces across the country are working to bring violent crime down. We have completed a series of training forums designed to help retailers combat crime and handle threatening situations. I would also encourage employers to look at schemes such as ShopWatch, where employees are given training and leave to become special constables – the skills they bring back to the workplace as well as the reassurance they provide on the high street are invaluable in tackling this problem."

The 2002 Commercial Victimisation Survey (CVS) showed that concern about crime remains an important issue within the business community.

The CVS gives a clearer picture of the levels and types of crime suffered by businesses and the Home Office has taken action in a number of areas to tackle issues highlighted since the publication of the provisional results last year.

According to the Government, under the £15 million Small Retailers in Deprived Areas Initiative more than 12,500 small shops have been assisted with the installation of crime prevention measures and made environmental improvements to reduce anti-social behaviour, crime and fear of crime.

An evaluation of the initiative revealed that initial indications of its impact on crime reduction are promising, showing a reduction in premises-based crime and disorder incidents such as burglary, where the projects have been implemented.

(SP)