The Business Crime Team have been out in Southend raising awareness of human trafficking, with partners from Southend Safeguarding Partnership, Community Policing Team, Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, SAMS Partnership, Community Safety Unit, the Soroptimists, Essex University, South Essex College and 57 West.

The team engaged in 138 conversations with the public, ranging from misconceptions about slavery only happening in other countries, to wanting to volunteer or receive awareness workshops from their community groups. During the day, a stunning mural was painted by Nik Vaughn on the High Street. Other artwork and awareness posters were also put on display at Southend Central Station.

The Business Crime Team personally engaged with 18 businesses, giving awareness talks and sharing resources on modern-day slavery and the effects it has on local communities. 

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Alcohol Thefts

It is estimated around £100,000 worth of alcohol is stolen from stores each week. The Business Crime Team have been working to identify patterns of behaviour of those that steal alcohol in bulk, and build a countywide and national picture of the problem.

Having liaised with Kent Police, we identified a common method, usually involving groups of 3-4 suspects attending supermarkets, using trolleys to carry large amounts of Champagne and spirits out of the stores into waiting vehicles.

The Business Crime Team have started to work with 22 other forces to tackle this network of offenders which are suspected to be committing offences in 28 force areas nationally. 

Maldon and Burnham Street Week 

This month the Business Crime Team have been working with partners in the Fraud Prevention Team, Essex Watch, The Rural Engagement Team, Crimestoppers and Maldon District Council to promote prevention and protection advice in the Maldon area.

The team has visited businesses to offer support with anti-social behaviour, violence, cybercrime and vulnerability while our partners engaged with members of the public by visiting  retail areas.

We will be planning further Street Weeks in the coming months with a view to visit other areas of the county.

Community Behaviour Orders

Since the establishment of Business Crime Team, we have directly processed 24 Community Behaviour Orders that have now been heard and accepted by the courts and another 17 are awaiting court dates to be settled.

Community Behaviour Orders allow the police to add conditions to persistent offenders to reduce repeat offending patterns and give more power to courts to deal with poor behaviour.

The Business Crime Team has now started to review and revise the training given to Community Policing Teams on how best to apply for Community Behaviour Orders.