CRIME PREVENTION FUNDING

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has written to the Home Office to find out why small shops and retailers in Havering have missed out from new funding for crime prevention measures.  On 6th August, the Home Office launched £5m Small Retailers Grant Fund to buy security devices such as alarms, UV markers or radios.  But the funding was limited to shops and retail businesses located in what were described as 50 ‘target’ areas.

Havering was excluded from the list and the Essex Federation of Small Business has criticised the decision saying that local shop keepers have been “left to fend for themselves to combat crime.”  It comes at a time when retail crime is rising.  According to the latest crime figures published in July 2009 shoplifting has jumped by 10% in one year from 290,624 in 2007/8 to 320,846 in 2008/9.  Thefts from shops are now at their highest level in ten years and the Home Office acknowledges that there is significant under reporting.

James Brokenshire has written to Home Office Minister Alan Campbell seeking an explanation on how the 50 priority areas were identified and what consultation took place with business and retail groups in reaching this decision.  Commenting James said:

“It is becoming increasingly clear that the downturn in the economy is leading to an upturn in acquisitive crimes like shoplifting.  Small businesses are finding it hard enough as it is without having to deal with additional losses from thefts.  It is very disappointing that retailers in Havering have missed out on the opportunity to apply for grants to help them protect their businesses from robbery and other crimes.  The Home Office needs to explain why this is the case.”

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