Staffordshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold recently spoke to the North Staffordshire Federation of Small Businesses about work to tackle business crime.
Mrs Arnold talked with members of the FSB at their meeting in Stafford about business crime, Staffordshire Smart Alert and the work in Staffordshire to support domestic abuse victims. She also provided an update on modern slavery, the Staffordshire Police Cadet Service, and the successful roll-out of mobile technology devices to police officers.
Mrs Arnold, said: “I would like to thank the North Staffordshire Federation of Small Businesses for their warm welcome and for inviting me as their guest speaker. They were an excellent audience with great questions and I thank them for their hospitality.”
Gary Spence, North Staffordshire Branch Chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “Business crime affects all businesses but it is often the smaller firms who are hit the hardest because they cannot absorb the cost. New FSB research reveals how smaller firms are being affected by crime with 48% having been a victim of offline crime and 66% having been a victim of cybercrime.
“Business crime has far ranging consequences beyond the direct financial cost of the loss or property damage. It can put insurance premiums up, damage a business’s ability to meet customer’s needs, cause reputational damage, negatively impact employees and jeopardise future work.
“Reducing business crime is fundamental to greater business prosperity. This is why we were delighted to be joined by Sue Arnold, at our recent FSB networking event in Stafford. She clearly understands the need for crime against small businesses to have a permanent place on the Police Agenda. With close to 3,000 members across Staffordshire, FSB is keen to continue to work closely with Staffordshire Police to ensure that our members and other small business across the County remain a force priority.”
To find out more about work to tackle business crime in Staffordshire, including information about signing up for free Business Crime Alerts, visit www.businesscrimematters.com.
The Staffordshire Police Cadet Service was launched by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to strengthen links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship. There are currently units in Stafford, Cannock, Burslem, Tamworth, Longton and Codsall with more units being established in 2016. Businesses are invited to become Patrons or Sponsors to help fund uniforms and equipment for the Cadets. In return for becoming a Patron, businesses’ contributions are recognised through publicity, a framed certificate and other opportunities.
If you would like more details on the Cadets service and how to become involved in the the patronage scheme visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
To read more about the Police and Crime Commissioner’s key priorities in his Safer, Fairer, United Communities strategy go to: www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/saferfairerunited/
