Alex Carmichael – the British Security Industry Association’s technical director – comments: “The British Crime Survey has once more proven the worth of effective security measures in protecting our nation’s homes. By having basic security measures in place, members of the public can ensure their home is protected and reduce dramatically the risk of becoming a burglary victim.”
The British Crime Survey also reveals that overall crime has fallen in the past year, with recorded crime down 9% compared to 2006-2007. Domestic burglary has remained on or about the same levels as the previous study.
Business crime on the rise
However, any fall in crime recorded by the British Crime Survey is in marked contrast to the picture for business crime painted by the British Chamber of Commerce research paper published in April. Statistics therein show that business crime has risen by 20% since 2004, costing the UK a massive GB pound 12.6 billion.
With 80% of businesses feeling that crime is a problem in their area, those organisations questioned highlighted a “fast police response” and “visible policing” as the keys to crime reduction. 86% of respondents suggested that video camera surveillance is an effective crime reduction tool.
Carmichael continues: “With severe concerns being expressed about crime in the business community, it’s more than evident that, for every single business, large or small, security is a ‘must’. Crime, and the subsequent disruption it realises, presents ongoing business concerns with a major challenge.
“The risk to staff and customers should of course be at the forefront of our minds. Business crime is often seen as victimless, but at the heart of all our organisations lie people. Therefore, whether the crime is a robbery where members of staff are directly threatened, or a break-in that results in them subsequently feeling vulnerable to the extent that it increases their fear of crime, there’s almost always an impact on people.”
Carmichael concludes: “The challenge for the security community is to convince businesses and homeowners that security is a worthwhile investment. In an economic climate where everyone will be tightening their belts, this task is going to be made even more difficult. However, statistics show that crime continues to be an issue which should be taken seriously. The security industry must work with its