Date: 12/06/2009
Businesses looking to beat the burglar have been urged to use a scheme run by Derbyshire Police.
The backing for Derbyshire Safeguard was given this week by High Peak Borough Council. Supported by the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership, the package offers an integrated crime prevention service to small and medium-sized businesses.
Services include an assessment of business' vulnerability to crime plus tailored advice and affordable solutions.
And grant funding of up to 50 per cent of cost is available for eligible capital improvement works.
Of 158 North Derbyshire businesses helped by the scheme since 2005 after suffering a crime, only one has been the victim of a repeat offence.
Said Ch. Insp. Tim Frohwein: "As research shows that being a crime victim usually increases your chances of being targeted again, this proves that Derbyshire Safeguard can make a significant contribution to the prosperity and productivity of your business".
The borough council helps fund the economic partnership, and executive councillor for regeneration, Cllr Tony Kemp, welcomed Derbyshire Safeguard this week: "High Peak has low business crime but this doesn't stop it creating major inconvenience, disruption and cost for those who do fall victim".
Said Cllr Andrew Bingham, executive councillor for social and community development: "By taking advantage of Derbyshire Safeguard, High Peak businesses can now ensure that their risk exposure to crime is minimised, giving owners peace of mind to get on with running their company".
High Peak businesses to have benefited from the scheme include SJ Motors, of Buxton. Director Steve Granger explained that crime prevention officer John Davenport had recommended Derbyshire Safeguard after the business was broken into.
"John recommended appropriate security measures and helped us secure 50 per cent grant funding to implement the improvements. The application process was all done online and was very straightforward", he stressed.
For more information, call Joanna Proctor at Derbyshire Safeguard on (01773) 572903 or send an e-mail to enquiries@derbyshiresafeguard.co.uk