I CONGRATULATE South Worcestershire on their recent Business and Rural Crime event held at Worcester’s Guildhall. This one-off event was ideal for smaller businesses, especially retailers, often disproportionately affected by shoplifting and other petty offences.

It’s unlikely that this type of crime will ever be eradicated, so it’s up to the business owner and their staff to identify any areas of concern and implement measures to minimise the risk.

USE YOUR INTELLIGENCE You need a baseline to work from. Computerised tills and other stock control software are ideal for tracking the official stocks held. Making regular cross-checks with the actual stock on the shelves will keep you informed of ‘shrinkage’. Using this intelligence will help you to focus your resources where they are needed.

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS l Minimise blind spots – use mirrors.

l Hang clothing on rails in alternate directions.

l Offer cash refunds only on production of the original receipt.

l Display small, high value, items securely.

l Display shop lifter favourites in plain view.

l Monitor fitting rooms.

l Use CCTV.

l Prosecute all shop-lifters, no exceptions.

l Train your staff to be vigilant.

The new kid on the block is Facewatch, a web-based crime and incident recording and reporting system, which allows businesses to share information, thus reducing crime and helping to increase detection rates. Visit facewatch.co.uk South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership offers a free advisory service to any business in: Worcester City, Wychavon and Malvern Hills. High quality CCTV can be bought through the Partnership, with prices starting at about £200. Visit wychavon.gov.uk/community-safety-partnership for more information.

ANGELA FITCH Federation of Smal Business