A FIRST ever government consultation with businesses on how to combat crime has been welcomed today in Suffolk.The move could eventually see a special police unit set up to help reduce such crimes.

By Tracey Sparling

A FIRST ever government consultation with businesses on how to combat crime has been welcomed today in Suffolk.

The move could eventually see a special police unit set up to help reduce such crimes.

Business crime is often seen as 'victimless', but whether it's burglary, robbery or fraud, companies and their customers end up footing the bill. Estimates show that business crime costs the UK economy up to £19 billion a year.

Now businesses of all kinds are being asked for their views on how to tackle the problem, in the Home Office Business Crime Strategy Consultation.

At Ipswich-based Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, chief executive Bob Feltwell said: "Suffolk Chamber members have contributed to a study which revealed that business crime is not separately recorded by the police. We are therefore very pleased that this consultation is now going ahead.

"All crime against business filters through to higher costs paid by

consumers, so we look forward to the results of this survey and further action by the government."

John Denham, minister for crime reduction, said: "We all know that crime is bad for business.

"All crimes which affect society in general affect business too, and the knock on effects of higher crime rates and unemployment can be damaging for entire communities.

"Businesses are increasingly aware of the major role they have to play in reducing crime and opportunities for crime, and some very effective partnerships have already been set up to tackle specific problems.

"By going out to industry and giving them the opportunity to air their views, I hope to get a clear picture of how we can ensure that a partnership approach to crime reduction becomes normal practice.

"We will consider all responses very carefully and if there is sufficient interest there is a strong possibility that we will establish a business crime unit, aimed at developing a centre of excellence within the Home Office to further develop initiatives to reduce business related crime."

Research has found that businesses are twice as likely to become a victim of crime as an individual.

Weblinks: www.homeoffice.gov.uk

www.crimereduction.gov.uk