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£5m To Protect Small Businesses Against Crime

12 Aug 2009

A £5m fund for small retailers to buy security devices such as alarms, UV markers or radios and an online assessment tool are part of a new retail crime action plan unveiled by Home Office Minister Alan Campbell. The retail crime action plan (RCAP) which has been drawn up in partnership with the retail industry, details a broad range of actions to tackle crimes against retailers and small businesses. They include a £5m small retailer grants fund providing grants of up to £3,000 for small businesses in 50 priority areas, to buy security devices such as alarms, UV markers to detect counterfeit notes, security grills or dye packs to mark goods.

To complete an online risk assessment visit : www.homeoffice.gov.uk/secureyourbusiness

There is also a risk assessment tool developed by crime prevention experts, which businesses can complete online to identify simple measures they can take to reduce the risk of crime, and a competition to find new ways of 'designing out' crime opportunities in small businesses, which will be launched in September 2009.

Alan Campbell said: "Small businesses play a vital role in our communities and I am determined to ensure that small businesses are not taken advantage of during these hard economic times, by providing real support where it is most needed."

Retailers will be able to bid for grants from an external grants administrator to be announced shortly in 50 priority crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) areas. Groups of businesses in a certain area, such as a parade of shops, can also team up to bid for bigger grants of up to £50,000. These can be used to improve a neighbourhood with landscaping or additional lighting.

National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses John Wright, said: "Our research shows crimes against businesses cost small firms around £13,500 each year on average and the disruption and damage they cause must be taken seriously.

"This new £5m fund will provide vital support for small businesses to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour; to improve security and invest in high streets and shopping districts. We encourage all small businesses that are eligible to take up this support so that they can continue to grow and thrive."

News source: Courtesy of Glass & Glazing Magazine

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