More in the December print issue of Professional Security magazine; Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club was the venue on Wednesday October 30 for a half-day conference and exhibition, hosted by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA).
The South East Business Crime Conference saw over 130 delegates, with 22 exhibitors showcasing security products and services to aid south east area businesses in reducing the risks of business crime.
Attendees also had the opportunity to attend a seminar, which included presentations on the value of police and business community partnerships against crime. A panel included Roy Smith, of New Scotland Yard, Nigel Liddell from the Brighton and Hove Business Crime Reduction Partnership, Charlie Newman, of event sponsor Littoralis, and Prof Martin Gill, from Perpetuity Research and Consultancy International.
Katy Bourne, Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex, officially opened the event, emphasising the impact of business crime and her commitment to its reduction: “I know that the employment and wealth that business creates is the lifeblood for our communities here in Sussex; I also know that business crime should never be dismissed as low level, or victimless. Local shops are often located in the heart of housing estates or villages and an incident of theft or vandalism has the same impact as a crime against an individual in that area.
“I am determined that we should challenge this perception that business crime is victimless so that we can influence first time offenders’ behaviour. I also believe that the future of policing is about partnership and prevention, so it is vital that local organisations and the Police work together to reduce business crime in order to create safe and secure business communities.”
Delegates in attendance were from organisations across the South East, including Waterstones Booksellers Ltd, Gloucestershire Constabulary, Lancing College, Eastbourne Business Crime Group, Bank of England, Eastbourne Arndale Centre, Sussex Police, Surrey Police and the University of Portsmouth.
