Hidden Scandal of Business Crime

South Norfolk Council is organising a breakfast summit as part of a campaign to help businesses fight crime and raise awareness of what councils can do to help.

Across Britain, the average cost of crime per business is £8,000 a year or £30bn - and for some that can make the difference between a healthy turnover, job security, thriving communities or financial collapse. A British Chamber of Commerce survey, 'Setting Business Free of Crime', showed that 64 per cent of all businesses questioned had experienced at least one crime within the previous year.

Speakers from the Government Office for the East, BusinessWatch, Norfolk County Council and the district council will be at the breakfast summit to explain how to combat what is being dubbed the "hidden scandal of business crime".

Paul Edwards of the South Norfolk Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership said:

"It is a hidden scandal. Business estates are on the edges of towns and villages which makes them vulnerable to criminal damage and vandalism. Large machinery like tractors are left outside when the last employee leaves for home and darkness falls.

"And of course much of this crime goes unreported. Perhaps people think businesses can afford to pay for it, or it is covered by insurance. The truth is that persistent criminal damage can kill a local business, and with it the jobs and wealth that benefit a local community.

"We want to make life more difficult for the criminals, instead of the businesses which are the lifeblood of our communities."

Cheryl Moore, economic development officer for South Norfolk Council is organising the summit. She said:

"We have just secured £14,000 of funding for a security barrier at Ashwellthorpe industrial estate, to stop unauthorised vehicles getting onto there at night. We have won £15,000 for CCTV at Tharston industrial estate near Long Stratton, and £20,000 for security fencing at both sites.

"Another £21,000 will improve signage and roads on both estates bringing the investment to £70,000 to protect and improve these estates for businesses now, and in the future. The bulk of this money has come from the East of England Development Agency, with some from South Norfolk Council and the rest from businesses.

"That's what you can do when you work with the council and business to combat crime. Step one is to get it recognised as the problem it is - then move to combat it. That is why we want businesses to come along to our meeting."

The breakfast summit starts with registrations, from 8am next Wednesday, 19 October, at South Norfolk House in Long Stratton. There are 75 places at this free event, and deadline for bookings is Friday October 14. Business Link and Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Service advisors will be present throughout and afterwards for advice and to book appointments.

To reserve a place, call 01508 533834.

8.30 - 8.35

Welcome and Introductions - Robert McClenning, South Norfolk Council Chairman and Jacky Sutton, who leads for the Council on the economy.

8.35 - 9.20

Tackling Business Crime -

Government Office East - Kevin Jones, Business Crime Team

Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, Paul Edwards (SNC)

John Broughton (BusinessWatch)

9.20 - 9.25

Diane Mortimer - Business Continuity Manager - Norfolk CC

Promotion of Business Continuity

9.25 - 9.30

Carole Baker (SNC) on Local Development Framework (LDF) - Issues Stage.

9.30 Close

Next Meetings - 25 January 2006 - Your Business and Your Environment

26 April 2006 - Planning Your Future - The LDF

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