§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what additional security measures are planned by her Department to deter and detect theft and fraud. [31785]
§ Ms HewittDTI has a range of various crime prevention measures in place. These include:
- a regime of pass-wearing and escorting visitors;
- security guarded buildings;
614W - asset marking;
- regular auditing;
- seeking and acting upon crime prevention advice from the police;
- measures to raise staff awareness on crime prevention;
- improved record keeping and investigating the theft of valuable items to see if theft prevention practices can be improved.
The Department's Fraud Policy and Guidance on Fraud Risks and Prevention are available to all staff and are regularly updated. These make plain the responsibilities of all concerned in relation to fraud as well as the consequences of such misconduct. A "whistleblowing" system is in operation to enable staff to safely report suspected misconduct including fraud or theft. The contact details of the Departmental Fraud Officer are available to all staff should they wish advice on any fraud related issues.
There are no immediate plans to introduce additional security measures to deter theft or fraud but the situation is kept under regular review and further action could be initiated should circumstances change.