Over 20 arrests made as part of Safer Business Action Week

During Safer Business Action Week, police made over 20 arrests in relation to business crime across Northern Ireland.

The week, which ran from Monday 14th October until Sunday 20th October, saw dedicated patrols of officers engaging with members of the business and retail community including advice around Safeshop. Safeshop provides business owners with specialised skills to keep themselves and their premises safe.

Premises searches and vehicle checkpoints were conducted as part of the proactive approach to tackling business crime across Northern Ireland.

In total, 23 people were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including theft, drugs offences and assault. A number of Community Resolution Notices were also issued for offences such as theft and drugs offences.

Speaking following the week of action, Police Service of Northern Ireland Business Crime Lead Superintendent Allister Hagan said: “It is extremely encouraging to see the business community across Northern Ireland engage with police to deliver positive results during Safer Business Action Week.

“Officers provided a visible policing presence, including pop-up clinics to educate and inform retailers and business owners across Northern Ireland around related criminal activity. We worked closely in partnership with our key stakeholders to identify offenders and tackle issues like anti-social behaviour and theft. We are extremely grateful for the unwavering support we received from the business community across Northern Ireland.

“Safer Business Action Week has come to a close, but that does not mean that our policing activity targeting business related crime comes to an end. We will continue to hold crime prevention initiatives and activities, as well as apprehend offenders and reduce the fear of crime across our towns and cities.

“We are aware there is underreporting of business related crime, so we would encourage retailers and business owners to contact police if they feel their staff are victims of criminal activity. If a member of staff has been either physically or verbally assaulted, please get in touch with police so these offences can be robustly investigated.

“We will be utilising the information obtained during Safer Business Action Week, to best utilise our resources as we approach the busy festive period for retailers. We want to make our towns and cities a place to live, work, socialise and do business. We will continue to robustly tackle business crime and keep both retailers and consumers safe.”