BOLTON is to host its first conference on security aimed at cutting Crime in the business community. It will offer businesses the opportunity to compare risks that are associated with the size, nature and location of their business operations and help to reduce losses.

There will be special sessions for delegates on how to combat IT and Internet crime, ways of cutting retail and industrial crime, beating the credit and cheque card fraudsters and how to counteract the counterfeiters.

There will also be a seminar on risk assessments and insurance.

And there will be an exhibition of some of the latest technology aimed at beating the burglar and keeping business premises safe.

Speakers will include Bolton police chief, Chief Superintendent Mel Pelham, and Mr David Smith, Regional Crime Director of the Government Office North West.

The event, organised by the Economic and Physical Development Unit at Bolton Council, is on October 10 at the Last Drop Village Hotel in Bromley Cross, Bolton, and will be opened by Cllr Frank White, Bolton Council's Executive Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety.

He said: "This is an excellent chance for business people to see how they can combat the criminals and reduce company losses.

"The criminals are certainly getting more sophisticated -- but so is prevention and detection."

He added: "It's well worth businesses spending a day at the event which will be featuring some of the latest weapons which can be utilised in combating the criminals."

There are around 120 places and the cost of the day will be between £15 and £20. Anyone who would like further details should contact Ann Hunt in the Environment Department at Bolton Council. Tel: 01204 336124.