Safer Business Week - 300 business engaged with

Police conducted visits to around 300 shops and businesses across Suffolk as part of Safer Business Week (18 – 24 March).

The purpose of the week was to engage with retailers providing crime prevention advice coupled with high visibility patrols and proactive activity against offenders. 

As well as 300 visits across the county, police also made 11 arrests in connection with the week, gathered 45 pieces of intelligence that will help feed and influence future operational activity, conducted five stop and searches and seized six vehicles.

One key aspect was engaging with retailers and encouraging them as victims of crime such as theft to report it online using the Suffolk Constabulary Website. A system called DAMS (Digital Asset Management System) allows businesses to share CCTV footage and other potential evidence electronically quickly and easily with police. The force’s Design Out Crime Officers were also able to provide guidance and tips on techniques to assist with crime prevention measures to reduce things like shoplifting and criminal damage.

In the east of the county HMRC and police conducted joint visits to six separate premises where intelligence suggested illegal tobacco was being sold. Although no evidence was found, useful further intelligence was gathered and future work with trading standards will be conducted.

In the west, checks were carried out on a barber after intelligence received with two individuals found to be working illegally – one was arrested and the other was handed to immigration while in Bury St Edmunds joint patrols were conducted with the CEO of Bury Business Improvement District and security staff from the ARC.

In the south, two arrests were made for theft from a clothes store in Ipswich as well as other offences, while elsewhere a vehicle was stopped on London Road and found to contain counterfeit perfume. The case was passed to trading standards to deal with. Police also provided a static engagement point on the Cornhill for the public to meet with police and Street Rangers and security staff in Ipswich all added how positive the impact in the town centre had been.

Inspector Dan Fiske said: “The week of activity was very well received and appreciated by shop staff who we engaged with. While this was a week of dedicated activity, it’s important to make clear we continue to work to tackle shoplifting and pursue and prosecute offenders where possible, including using preventative powers such the Anti-Social Behaviour Act to tackle persistent offenders, use of Community Protection Notices and Criminal Behaviour Orders. 

“We would always urge victims of retail or business crime to report it. For example, shoplifting is a crime whatever the value of the item stolen and can result in a criminal conviction, which can have a serious impact on someone’s life. We understand this this behaviour is simply unacceptable as it ultimately can threaten the future of the business affected.

“By reporting you are not only allowing officers to investigate but also providing police with the information that can be used to map crimes and see emerging crime trends. This can then be used to support preventative action, including when giving advice and guidance to local retailers.

ACC Eamonn Bridger said: “This is a powerful example of how we work with the community and partners in collaboration to create awareness and understanding of the crimes that affect business, as well as demonstrating the importance of tackling crime to protect and safeguard frontline staff and also developing local, trusted relations with an on-going legacy of partnership working.”

Watch Inspector Dan Fiske as part of a short video with engagement work in Ipswich

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