Ford committed to ‘Closing the Gap’ on business crime
Date published:
Justice Minister David Ford and Anne Connolly, Chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, today addressed members of the business community at a business crime workshop.
The aim of the workshop, entitled ‘Closing the Gap’, held at Belfast City Hall, was to encourage the development of collaborative solutions to tackle business crime. Delivered in partnership with the Department of Justice, the Northern Ireland Policing Board, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council – the workshop provided the business community with an opportunity to consider what actions had been taken forward to address business crime, what still needs to be achieved, and how to close the gap between the two.
David Ford said: “Business crime not only damages the profitably and viability of individual businesses but also has implications for wider community confidence. Today's workshop provides the basis for determining how my Department and our delivery partners target our resources to tackle business crime.”
Speaking about the workshop Policing Board Chair Anne Connolly said: “Through its engagement with the business community, the Board is very aware of the issues this sector is facing in dealing with criminal activity. Whilst a number of positive initiatives have been developed by the PSNI to tackle business crime, this workshop will provide opportunities to explore more collaborative solutions to solving these issues.”
PSNI Chief Superintendent Chris Noble also reaffirmed the PSNI commitment to supporting local businesses. He said: "Over the last year we have met and listened extensively and carefully to the business community in Northern Ireland. This has enabled us to support them even more in preventing and tackling crime that impacts so significantly on local businesses. Today’s event allowed us to share what's in place, identify what more needs to be done and then plan to deliver it in partnership with business owners.”
Notes to editors:
1. PSNI Crime Prevention Officers can advise on a range of security measures. Information and reports about crime and criminal activity can be given to police by calling 101, or can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
2. General advice on the practical measures which business can take to prevent and deter business crime is also available from Policing and Community Safety Partnerships.
3. For all media queries, please contact the DOJ Press Office on 028 9052 6444. For out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.