Further work required to enhance police response to business crime

CJI's latest inspection report has called for the PSNI to take further steps to enhance its response to business crime in Northern Ireland.  View Report Page.

The report welcomes the work already undertaken by the police to establish strategic relationships with the business community and develop partnerships with the Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Policing Board through the formation of the Business Crime Action Plan.
 
However, it has recommended that further work is required to ensure existing strong relationships are not lost when police officers move on to other roles or leave the PSNI.  Inspectors have also called for the police to maximise intelligence and information sharing alongside opportunities to detect crime through schemes such as Retailers against Crime and Belfast Retail Crime Watch.
 
Speaking following the publication of the inspection report, CJI Deputy Chief Inspector James Corrigan said:"Business crime is not victimless. It impacts on everyone through higher prices and lost employment opportunities.  That's why it's crucial the partnership approach by the PSNI and the business community continues to develop, to limit opportunities for business crime to occur and ensure businesses in turn support the police in their investigations and any subsequent prosecutions."