§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are being taken to help small firms guard against crime; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe Home Office Crime Prevention Centre has recently issued to police forces a retail security guide for use by beat police officers. It gives detailed guidance on how small retail premises can be protected from burglary and will help police officers to provide appropriate advice to shopkeepers. Specialist crime prevention officers and architectural liaison officers are also available in police forces to advise on particular problems.
The Government have encouraged the development of business watch, shop watch and industry watch schemes —along the lines of the neighbourhood watch model. Many small businesses have also benefited directly from various crime prevention schemes supported and funded by the Home Office safer cities programme. We are also proposing to set up a retail action group.