A landmark Agreement to work together to combat crime against businesses has been signed by the North East’s three Police and Crime Commissioners, and the Institute of Directors.
The Agreement says that businesses and the Police will work together to:
– share information that will highlight trends in crime
– explore how to investigate fraud jointly
– provide comprehensive advice to businesses about preventing crime
– engage employees in combatting crime
Speaking at a joint PCC/IoD event in Durham this week, Ron Hogg, Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington said “This Agreement will really help the Police support businesses in the fight against crime, and we hope that other organisations which represent businesses will also become involved in this joint-programme of work”.
Barry Coppinger, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland added “Business crime is often seen as a victimless crime, which it isn’t. The signing of this agreement is therefore important to prevent and combat crime from occurring. The use of reporting tools such as Action Fraud UK, the national fraud and internet crime reporting centre is an example of what can be used to support businesses experiencing fraud”.
Vera Baird, Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, said: “Businesses have a responsibility to recognise and support victims of crime such as hate crime and domestic abuse. It’s a phrase regularly used – ‘domestic abuse is everyone’s business’ and research shows that 75% of domestic abuse victims are targeted at the workplace. Employers are therefore in a position where they can provide tremendous help and support by adopting our workplace policy and training domestic abuse champions to raise awareness, spot the signs and help those in need.”
A joint working group will be established to develop and implement new practices that will reduce the risks of crime.
(left to right) Graham Robb, Chair of Institute of Directors Board North East, Ron Hogg, Vera Baird, David Cliff,
Vice-Chair of Institute of Directors Board North East, Barry Coppinger,
