No such thing as a quiet January! We have been all over the county this month, strengthening relationships with our business communities, supporting victims of crime and working on preventative campaigns. 

We spent a day in the Epping District due to reports of anti-social behaviour affecting businesses in the Forest Shopping Park. We were able to give prevention advice and complete security checks, as well as taking reports and intelligence to help us build a picture of exactly what is happening and who is involved.

We are also working closely with colleagues and new partners at Stansted Airport. Working with World Wide Duty Free and MAG airports to introducing new innovative security whilst maintaining foot flow in one of the nation's busiest airports.

We attended the ‘Ambitious Essex’ networking event at Enterprise Park Braintree to support the Federation of Small Businesses.  We were able to speak to businesses about crime prevention, make new connections and be a link between policing and business communities.

Read even more about what we did during January below!

Radio Support Network 

The Business Crime Team have been working closely with businesses in Grays over the last few months to launch a radio support network in the town. This initiative will help to get information out to a group fast, to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour that affects business. 

If you would like more information on radio support networks, then please do contact us.  We would be happy to look at the possibility of setting one up in any area where business is affected by crime, industrial areas, town centres, shopping precincts and parades.

Watch the video below to find out the difference the network has made to the business communities there. 

Watch Here

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour 

Working in partnership with Essex Chamber of Commerce, a new initiative has been launched which involves joint visits to members who are victims of crime or anti-social behaviour. 

We spent time at Lifehouse Health Spa over in Thorpe-le-Soken after receiving reports of youth anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. 

Together we were able to look at ideas to secure the site, improve CCTV and increase staff visibility in order to be a visual deterrent. We are also looking at community initiatives that the company could support. One of our officers was able to identify a youth responsible for committing the anti-social behaviour and I’m pleased to say no further incidents have been reported.

Combatting Cyber Fraud through collaboration conference

The Business Crime team supported one of our partners SASIG (Security Awareness Special Interest Group) at a collaboration conference in Chelmsford.

The aim being to promote online safety and teach businesses how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud and other online offences. We were joined by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst. 

The main message from the conference was that cyber fraud can only be defeated through collaboration, engagement and partnership with industry and with the community. While there is still a lot more work to be done, huge progress has been made over the past few years.

More information 

Theft of motor vehicles 

Having a vehicle stolen or broken into prevents business productivity and has a negative impact. 

Many businesses use vehicles on a daily basis, but how many have a security procedure in place and are all employees aware of the rules?  Displaying simple steps can help prevent incidents and keep vehicles secure.

1. Always lock it

2. Close windows to prevent ‘fishing’

3.  Do not leave tools in the van

4. Keep company vehicle keys locked away securely

3. Secure your number plates with tamper-resistant screws

4. Fit locking, anti-tamper wheel nuts to secure alloy wheels

5. Secure anything that’s on the outside of your vehicle

Find out more