orth East business owners have the opportunity to tell the police about their experiences of cybercrime in a new survey launched today. The region’s three Police and Crime Commissioners have teamed-up with the Institute of Directors and the Federation of Small Businesses to ask business owners about how they protect themselves from online fraud, and what advice they might need to protect themselves further. Durham’s Police, Crime and Victims Commissioner Ron Hogg said “Over 50% of crime is conducted online these days. This survey will only take a few minutes to complete and will really help the police to understand how best we can work with businesses”.
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger added “It’s great to be working in partnership with the IoD and the FSB in the battle against cybercrime in our region. We’re really interested in finding out how businesses are protecting themselves against cybercrime at present, and what advice they would find useful in the future.” Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird said “We will use the information which businesses tell us to put in place a series of events, booklets and online tools that will make a real difference in the battle to avoid fraudulent online activity”. Chair of the North East branch of the Institute of Directors, Dr Joanna Berry, said “It’s extremely important that local businesses understand the dangers of cybercrime, and take steps to avoid it.
I am really looking forward to the results of this survey, and to working with the three Police and Crime Commissioners to develop new ways to help businesses to avoid fraud.” The survey is being circulated to members of the FSB, IoD and to other business representative organisations. The deadline for returns is Friday 8 September 2017. If people or businesses want advice, support or to report fraud they should call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. Alternatively, contact your local police force on 101
