we are just

as much a

victim as you too! By Jo Beaumont,

Bolton Business Security Initiative IMAGINE that all the windows of your home have been smashed, that your door has been kicked in and that all of your possessions lay broken and discarded on the floor.

Now imagine that this has happened in your business -- the business that represents your savings, hard work, time, and your means of income.

Would you be any less a victim of Crime?

There seems to be the misconception among the general public that businesses can afford to withstand any losses, but research has shown that the cost of crime on business premises is on average, seven times higher than the cost involved with domestic properties.

Economy

Businesses are five times more likely to become victims of crime. Business loss affects the economy and the wider community.

Are business owners not members of the public too, with a home to finance and bills to pay?

Your premises may be closed for repairs, customers may not be able to wait and may go elsewhere, having lost confidence in you, staff may feel vulnerable and demoralised, insurance premiums are likely to rise and there are the less quantifiable affects on health and well being. Staff may be laid off and in extreme cases; the business may face closure, leading to degeneration of the area, which in turn affects the economy.

These estimates represent the level of known crime against businesses. It is also estimated through business surveys that only 37pc of crime affecting businesses is ever reported to the police. So what is the real effect of crime affecting British Industry? This may seem to paint a picture of doom and gloom, however Bolton is far from that.

Baseline

At the Bolton Business Security Initiative we aim to establish a baseline figure for crime against businesses, a project unique to Bolton. Through working with our partners, Greater Manchester Police, and by talking to businesses throughout the borough, we hope to present a realistic picture of not only the volume of crime targeted at our local business, but also the nature of that crime, businesses that are particularly vulnerable and to develop projects aimed at encouraging community participation. By building a clearer picture, we can target new initiatives more effectively, reducing crime and reducing the costs to local businesses.

There are many and ever increasing financial demands on business owners, and security is often overlooked or seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. Again, research suggests that 75pc of businesses do not have a budget to tackle crime. As crime continues to affect all areas of society, can businesses really afford to be cavalier in their attitude to crime prevention?

Crime prevention need not be all about fences shutters, alarms and closed circuit television systems, but may involve a change in practice or a greater involvement of staff. Carrying out a security audit and identifying areas of concern is the first step in crime prevention. Advice for businesses throughout the borough is available through your local Crime Prevention Officer at Greater Manchester Police, or from Vince Glover, Security Advisor at the Business Security Initiative at Bolton Council. Both sources offer a comprehensive, confidential service, free of charge. Businesses within the Derby, Halliwell, Central and Farnworth Wards may also be eligible for a grant towards any security works that they chose to introduce.

In the time that it has taken to read this article, a local business has become a victim of crime. Is it you?

Greater Manchester Police Crime Prevention Officer -- 0161 872 5050

Bolton Business Security Initiative -- 01204 336140