Today’s columnist, Inspector Jason Booth: Safe and secure Christmas

Businesses can be particularly vulnerable at Christmas because of high demand, holidays and footfall. South Yorkshire Police recently launched its first ever business crime campaign with the aim of improving links with businesses to drive down this type of crime.

It is my job is to improve the way we work with partners and to look at how we provide crime prevention advice to businesses. It’s also my job to make sure that our officers and staff have the right skills and knowledge to advise businesses.

So, I want to reach out to businesses and say please get in touch so we can tell you about all the services we can offer you.

With the message: ‘You Don’t Need Superpowers to Protect your Business’ the force’s new campaign is all about the free, simple and easy things you can do to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime.

This campaign is all about empowering businesses and making sure that you know what support is available. We are determined to ensure that businesses feel safe and supported and have confidence to report crime.

Whether you’re a shopkeeper, landlord, butcher or engineer, we are here to protect you, to protect livelihoods and in turn protect the region’s economy.

So what services are available? We have a team of specialist business crime advisors who can visit you and carry out a free security survey.

They will look at all the ways you can reduce the chances of being a victim of crime from security fencing, property marking and lighting to protection of data.

Businesses can also access a free ‘bizkit’ on our website that features information about a variety of subjects including cyber security, lone working, cash on premises and social media.

You can also find regular crime prevention features, links to national websites, spotlights on emerging trends, contact details, campaign updates and interviews with the business crime team on our website.

From shoplifting and metal theft, arson and burglary, to fraud and assault, business crime is defined as any criminal offence committed against a person or property that has a connection to a business.

It currently accounts for around 17 per cent of all recorded crime in South Yorkshire with shoplifting making up 66 per cent of that figure.

The second most common offence is making off without payment at petrol stations, followed by using fake plates when making off without payment, burglary, criminal damage and theft from motor vehicles.

We know how busy most businesses are at this time of year but we want to stop anyone being vulnerable to crime. So please do get in touch and help make this a safe and secure Christmas for everyone.

To book your free security assessment email [email protected],

To access our free toolkits visit South Yorkshire Police top tips

Follow @syptweet #ProtectYourBusiness