The Policing Board held a meeting with representatives from the business community today to discuss issues around retail crime and identifying the sector’s policing priorities for the next 3 - 5 years.
Speaking about the meeting Board Chair Anne Connolly said: “As a Board we are well aware of the impact business crime can have, not only for the business that has been targeted but also the community it is based in. Whilst figures published recently demonstrate that overall crime against businesses is on the increase (up 5.1% from last year), we also know that statistics don’t always tell the full story and some crimes go unreported.
In developing the Policing Plan for the next 3 – 5 years we want to ensure that the business community has input into this process. The Plan itself sets out the strategic policing priorities and objectives for the period ahead and it is important that in developing this we understand the needs of this sector.
This meeting today has been very productive and has given the Board a great opportunity to hear at first-hand how crime is affecting businesses. Issues such as inconsistencies in communications between the police and business owners, particularly in relation to follow up on reported crimes, were raised. It was also agreed that partnership working and sharing of good practice, particularly with diminishing police resources, were essential to effectively tackling business crime. The new Policing and Community Safety Partnerships, soon to be constituted, were also discussed and the importance of their engagement with the business community.
Overall the meeting was very positive and allowed representatives from this sector to identify where they want police resources focused.”
Ends
For further information, please contact the Northern Ireland Policing Board’s Communications Office on 07801738795.
Notes to editors
- The 2015-16 Policing Plan is produced in accordance with the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000. It is prepared by the Chief Constable, agreed and published by the Policing Board following consultation with the Minister of Justice.
- As part of the Policing Plan consultation the Board is undertaking an EQIA on the Policing Plan 2015-16. Copies of the Policing Plan and EQIA documentation are available from the Board’s website on www.nipolicingboard.org.uk.
- The online Questionnaire on policing priorities is available to complete on the Board’s website at www.nipolicingboard.org.uk.
- As part of the consultation the Board will also be holding a Public Meeting in the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Islandview Room, Oxford Island, Craigavon, BT66 6NJ on Wednesday 17 June from 7pm.