Policing Board Chair Anne Connolly attended a meeting (26th August) with a number of traders in the East Belfast area.
Speaking about the meeting, Mrs Connolly said:“Business crime is not a victimless crime andI can fully understand the concerns voiced about the impact this recent spate of robberies has had on individual livelihoodsand the community surrounding those businesses.
Recent figures show that crime against businesses increased 5.1% from last year.The nature of business crime is changing and aside from robberies,there are many other scams and tactics that criminals use.As a Board we are committed to making sure that the policing needs and interests of the community are considered in our discussions with the Chief Constable on policing priorities and how the service to the community is being delivered.”
Mrs Connolly continued:“There are without doubt many practical measures and tactics that businesses and the police can use to prevent such crime and I very much welcome the commitments given by T/ACC Noble and the local Commander to the traders. Some people in the community will know who carried out these robberies and anyone with information is urged to bring it to the police."
The meeting was chaired by Mandy Patrick, Managing Director of the Park Avenue Hotel. She said:
"It is extremely important that traders work closely with the police on this issue.This was a very positive meeting with a number of crime prevention steps agreed that will assist businesses and also improve communications between the police and traders in the area."
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For further information, please contact the Northern Ireland Policing Board’s Communications Office on 07801738795.