Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Ken Purchase (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 29 April 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Crime Reduction (Small Businesses)

Question: Has the Justice Secretary seen early-day motion 1358, tabled in my name and that of other hon. Members, about crime against small businesses? If so, he will know that it praises the campaign of the Federation of Small Businesses, which is extremely concerned that the under-reporting of crime might be leading local police forces to take it less seriously than they should. Given that less than 40 per cent. of crimes against small businesses are reported, what measures will the Secretary of State take to encourage businesses into full reporting? Every crime should be reported.

Answer: I have seen the early-day motion to which my hon. Friend draws the House's attention. It is vital that small businesses report crimes against them; in fairness to the police, they are likely to be aware of crimes only if they are reported. I think that levels of reporting are pretty consistent. The better news is that, across the country, crime against businesses, particularly shops, is going down. However, we need to do more. Along with reporting specific crimes, I encourage small business federations, at a local level, along with larger retailers, to work through community and crime reduction partnerships to ensure that there is more effective policing and that other work is undertaken to reduce crime in their areas.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 475 c148-9
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Related items: CRIME AGAINST SMALL BUSINESSES
Monday, 21 April 2008
Early day motions
House of Commons
Subjects: Crime Sentencing Small businesses Theft Crime prevention Retail trade
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk