Some Businesses Critical Of Police

There have been a number of concerns addressed by some business in Wednesfield and Wolverhampton with regard to Business Crime.

Councillor Bateman said today " With one of the roles that I have in the City Council I act as Chair of the Business Champions Group'.

Over the spring and summer months there have been a number of comments made by business about the 'business crime' that is taking place here in the City.

Not all the comments have been supportive of the actions taken by the police. Throughout the summer I have been in contact with West Midlands Police highlighting the critical comments and urging action where I can.

I have had a meeting with Chief Superintendent Richard Green. Superintendent Sally Bourner and I have raised 'Business Crime' with Inspector J Turley as well as at 'neighbourhood forums'.

All in all the concerns expressed by some elements of our business community has been well aired by my actions, as I am sure the police will support!

Some of the more strident comments that have been made have come from Wednesfield business. They have been quite specific about their complaints and I have made sure the police are aware of them.

I am still waiting for a reply to some specific issues from the police. My hope is that they will respond soon. What I am pleased with is the advice that is posted on the Police Web Site which offers advice for Business.This statement I believe is recognition for Wolverhampton that the police does take this type of crime seriously. Whether it takes it seriously enough for some of our businesses is another matter?!!

One of the more serious concerns raised by local business have been illegal incursions made by travellers and in particular illegal traveller incursions.

I understand there have been five such incidents in the Wednesfield area over the past 12 months. These occurred at the PFI Leisure Centre, the Mecca Bingo site and Makro at Bentley Bridge. The travellers responsible for the first incursion were evicted by the Police and the others evicted following action by the land owners.

The most recent correspondent I have relates to a meeting that has taken place with business in Neachells Lane in Wednesfield. The comments are that "Most of them are getting broken into and they suspect about 50% is by local gypsies because of the nature of the crime (this has been confirmed by an police inspector whilst visiting the scene). The correspondence continues "There have been two strong points that have come out of my meetings with neighbouring businesses.
Firstly, We need to do a crime survey in the Neachells / Wednesfield area to ascertain how serious the crime issue is because most businesses do not report the crimes.They do not report the crimes as they have no confidence in the police ability to take these issues seriously and do meaningful investigations.

Secondly, Many companies like us are employing private security on a ad hoc basis, which costs typically £500 per week, this is a huge cost for any business particularly a small business which is a disincentive for businesses to invest in Wolverhampton, which has a higher crime level of other competitive areas such as Telford."

Now I shall not make the writer of this correspondence known just yet. But the fact is that there are a number of serious allegations that have been made. I shall investigate them with the Police and the City Council. But you can start to gauge the feeling that 'some' business have towards business crime, and the police actions to deal with them.

I am certain that action needs to be taken to first improve business confidence and there is a role in this for the City Council. I will be requesting a meeting with Richard Carr the Chief Executive on return from the August Bank Holiday."

This message can be found on the Wolverhampton East Police Web Site.

WEST MIDLANDS POLICE OFFER ADVICE FOR BUSINESS SECURITY
POLICE in Wolverhampton are urging business owners to be vigilant following a recent spate of metal thefts.

Thieves are targeting compounds, skips and other areas where metal is stored, and officers are urging businesses to think about protecting their property to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Local residents who have lead roofing or copper plumbing systems should also follow the advice.

Officers are issuing the following to help prevent crime:

• Ensure there are no weak spots around the perimeter of your property where criminals may gain easy access to the site or the building itself.

• Secure all gates, doors and other entrances when frequent access is not needed.

• Remove all opportunities for crime, such as bins that could be used to climb over a wall, hiding places or areas with poor light.

• Secure or remove anything that could potentially be used to break in or cause damage, such as ladders or scaffolding.

• Improve visibility by cutting back vegetation, moving bins and other objects that obscure natural surveillance.

• Areas should be well-lit at night to deter potential thieves.

PC Ian Jones, crime reduction officer from Wednesfield police station, said: “Becoming a victim of crime can have a negative impact on your organisation. Not only can trade be disrupted, but it can also result in increased insurance premiums and low staff morale.

“Most thefts are committed by opportunist thieves who are looking for an easy target. The more difficult you make it for them, the less likely you are to become a target. This advice is mainly common sense and doesn’t cost a great deal of money, time or effort.”

For assistance with security matters or more information contact 0845 113 5000

The Home Office Crime Reduction website offers a range of advice for businesses to help prevent against a variety of crimes. Log onto www.crimereduction.gov.uk/yourbusiness for a comprehensive checklist and advice booklet.