The Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire Sue Arnold is highlighting the support available to victims of business crime after a recent survey revealed the impact it can have on businesses.
A survey released this month by the Institute of Directors (IoD) has shown a gap between awareness of the risks of cyber security and how prepared businesses are for a cyber attack.
Out of 980 IoD members questioned in the survey, one in eight said they had experienced damage due to a cyber attack that interrupted business. Out of that number, 11% said they had suffered an actual financial loss as a result. Only 28% of cyber attacks had been reported to the police.
Sue Arnold, who is spearheading the Business Crime Matters campaign on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Local businesses are the life blood of our economy but companies can often feel that crime against them is seen as victimless and that it is hard to get help if needed.
“The Business Crime Matters strategy and the recently launched Staffordshire Smart Alerts are there to help support businesses. Whether you are a large or small company there is information and support available to you.
“The survey released this month from the IoD found under a third of cyber attacks on those questioned were reported to police and 72% of those questioned said they had received bogus invoices, showing the real threats that are out there for businesses.
“Staffordshire Smart Alert offers up-to-date relevant information on business crime. Businesses can also choose to receive business crime messages specific to their area of business, such as Retail, Motor trades and Education. The Staffordshire Smart Alert system is set to improve engagement between Staffordshire Police and local businesses as well the residents of Staffordshire. You can find out more at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/staffssmartalert
“Programmes like these turn the tables on criminals by joining up and sharing information about crime, working closely with the police.”
Nearly seven in 10 IoD members also said they had never heard of Action Fraud Aware, the UK’s national reporting centre where businesses can report fraud if they have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime.
Find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Business Crime Matters strategy and support for businesses at www.businesscrimematters.com
