Devon and Cornwall Police week of action to help tackle business crime

The National Business Crime Week of Action aims to strengthen relationships between retail, security staff and police

Crime prevention advice, store visits and reassurance patrols will take place across Devon and Cornwall as police work with companies to try and tackle business crime.

The National Business Crime Week of Action aims to strengthen links between retail, security staff and police.

From Monday, crime prevention advice will be available at shopping centres.

Officers will also visit stores to advise staff on how to deal with anti-social behaviour.

Police will also meet councillors to better understand local concerns in places such as north Devon.

'Not be tolerated'

Some of the events taking place during the week include:

• Pop-up crime prevention advice stands in shopping areas including Honiton, Exmouth, Exeter, Barnstaple, Torquay, Plymouth and Newquay

• Plain clothed officers taking part in anti shoplifting operations

• Linking in with local Business Improvement District (BID) managers and other business community partners to discuss concerns and find solutions

• Visits to licensed premises to offer advice on anti-social behaviour

Joe Champness, crime prevention and business crime lead for Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "This week of action will enable us to undertake targeted responses to issues being faced in the business community.

"It also allows us to engage with businesses throughout the force to better understand their issues and work in collaboration to develop long-term solutions.

"The week of action will see officers and staff carry out targeted operations and store visits, offer crime prevention advice and take part in high visibility reassurance patrols."

Alison Hernandez, Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "I speak to too many hard-working retailers whose livelihoods and welfare is threatened by shoplifting and too many people who run their own businesses who are sick of having vital tools and equipment stolen from their premises and vehicles.

"I am pleased Devon and Cornwall Police is sending the message that this will not be tolerated and would urge businesses to work with the force by ensuring all crime is reported.

"It is only when we have a true and accurate picture of an issue we can put in place the necessary resources to counter it."