Beating business crime and promoting economic growth in Staffordshire were high on the agenda at the signing of a new charter.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold signed the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Enterprise Partnership’s Regulatory Charter at a launch event along with leading figures from local authorities, chambers of commerce and the police.
Mrs Arnold is delivering the Business Crime Matters strategy on behalf of Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis following his determination that businesses who are victims of crime will not be forgotten.
She said: “Businesses are the lifeblood of local communities across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. But times are tough for small firms and being a victim of robbery, theft, vandalism or online fraud can be enough to drive them into the ground.
“We want to make Staffordshire a safe, healthy and aspirational place to live work, visit and do business. Businesses need to know that crime against them is not “victimless” and they will not be forgotten.
“By signing the chart we are signalling our commitment to work together to make sure businesses get the best from regulation in the public sector and further afield.
“It’s about improving support for business owners which will strengthen them and in turn help increase economic growth and job creation in Staffordshire.”
Assistant Chief Constable Bernie O’Reilly, of Staffordshire Police, added: “Businesses thrive in strong and confident communities, and it’s wrong to believe that business crime is ‘victimless’. Behind every business are local people trying to earn their living, they are working hard to support their local communities by providing employment and services, so it’s vital that businesses succeed.
“We are working with local business to support them in preventing crime but also providing the highest levels of service when they need us by doing everything we can to bring those involved in crime against them are brought to justice.”
To learn more about the Business Crime Matters strategy go to www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/business
