Business Crime survey extended

Businesses across the East Midlands have been given more time to submit their views for the Police Authorites' Business Crime Questionnaire.

Response to the questionnaire has been encouraging, however, due to the timing of its original release, the Police Authorities have decided to extend the consultation process so that businesses who did not have time to complete the survey over the Christmas period may now do so.

This survey is designed to measure the impact of crime on trade in the region and learn more about local businesses' opinion on where Police priorities should lie. It is being coordinated by Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire Police Authorities and will be the first time Police Authorities have come together collectively to address the needs of the business community.

The results of the survey, which is being supported by the East Midland Business Crime Forum and Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, will be used to help the Police Authorities, and the forthcoming Police and Crime Commissioners, make decisions about resource allocation in their specific area and future policing services.

Jean Mountain, Chair of the East Midland Business Crime Forum, said: "Through promoting better relationships with businesses in the East Midlands we can deliver stronger crime prevention advice and develop strategies to protect their commercial premises from future criminal activities."

The survey, which is available at www.leics.police.uk/PABusinessSurvey, asks businesses which crime categories are of most concern to them including fraud, burglary, anti-social behaviour and theft of and from vehicles. It asks businesses whether they have ever been a victim of crime and for details about the offence and whether it was an isolated incident. In addition, businesses are asked about whether they were satisfied with the service they received from the police, and whether they knew who their local PCSO or police officer was.