Norfolk Police and crime issues affecting the business community, January 2013 update:
Crime in Norfolk is falling, with 11.6% less crimes being recorded this year (for the period to the end of December 2012) compared with the same time last year. Current issues of concern in relation to business crime are:
• BROADLAND – Thefts of outboard motors – There has been a spate of marine crimes, with outboard motors being stolen from boats at a business premises in Brundall. Police are working to gather intelligence to identify possible offenders. Anyone with information is asked to contact Norfolk Police on 101. Boat owners are asked to follow simple measures to keep their boating equipment safe. This can be viewed here.
• SOUTH NORFOLK – Catalytic convertor thefts – 20 thefts of catalytic convertors have been reported in Norfolk this year, with nearly all occurring in the south of the county. A similar spate has been recorded in Suffolk. 4 x 4 vehicles have been targeted, with the majority of vehicles hit being Ford Rangers. Police will be striving to stop criminals carrying out these crimes by deploying Automatic Number Plate Recognition Intercept Teams (ANPRIT) teams on the main routes in and out of the affected areas and continue focussed crime reduction work in an effort to prevent further crimes.
Vehicle owners are advised to consider the use of additional locks and security to protect catalytic convertors. Full advice is available here.
• COUNTY – Thefts from motor vehicles – During the past month, a number of thefts from vans have been recorded, with a business premises being repeatedly targeted. Parts such as wheels and wing mirrors have been taken. Officers are carrying out targeted patrols in affected areas and reviewing intelligence in an attempt to locate offenders. Business owners are reminded to ensure that premises holding vehicles are kept secure and well lit, and to ensure that good CCTV systems are in place.
• COUNTY – New scheme to tackle fraud – Norfolk and Suffolk Police have joined a national scheme aimed at enhancing fraud investigations and improving the efficiency with which these investigations are carried out. From 14 January 2013, both forces started using Action Fraud – the UK’s national fraud reporting centre, which will act as a central point of contact for all information about fraud and financially-motivated internet crime. Full information is available here.
• Business Safety Reducing the risk of crimes against your business will help to support its long-term success. Security and crime prevention should be integral to any business plan, not just a reaction after the event. Norfolk Police can assist with advice on a number of methods to reduce business crime, what to do if a crime is committed against your business, and steps you can take to make sure that your business recovers as swiftly as possible from any criminal activity. More advice is available here. A DVD containing business safety advice is also available. To request a copy, contact Norfolk Police on 101 and ask to speak to your Crime Reduction Officer.
• Join Police Direct Police Direct is a high tech messaging service provided by Norfolk Police, which is designed to bring you up to date information about crime and policing issues in your area. We can send you information by email to your computer, by text to your mobile phone, or by leaving a message on your landline. To sign up for free, click here.
