28.04.06 Business Watch expands
Harlow businesses have been quick to back the new crime prevention group Business Watch, which is steadily expanding its membership. Launched last year the group has just signed up Malvern Press as its latest member and is now planning a spring drive to recruit more businesses.Business Watch organiser Lorraine King, Manager of Capital Enterprise Centres’ Greenway Business Centre on Harlow Business Park, said that a good start had been made with 15 companies already active in Business Watch.
She said: “We know that by working together on crime prevention, in close co-operation with the police, we can make a real difference. Businesses can exchange ideas and support one another in their crime prevention work. The result is better security and greater peace of mind for everyone involved.
“In the longer term improved security can also cut costs. Crime can be an expense that really hits the bottom line and insurance will not cover all costs or compensate for damaged morale and worries about further crime.
”We hope to recruit a substantial number of businesses to Business Watch this year. The cost of running and participating in the group is minimal but the paybacks can be considerable.”
Business Watch works with the crime prevention unit of Harlow Police and holds regular co-ordination and advice meetings. Details of the group’s crime prevention moves remain confidential.
Toby Wynn, Finance Director of Malvern Press, said that the work of Business Watch was an excellent example of business co-operation at community level.
He said: “This is a practical way in which all businesses can work together to improve crime prevention. Concerns about business related crime and vandalism have risen and business needs to respond. We must ensure that effective steps are taken to improve security both in the interests of our own businesses and our customers.”
Acknowledgement of the success of Business Watch came from Harlow Council in the 2006 Safer Harlow Awards when Lorraine King received an Award for an outstanding contribution to making Harlow a safer place.
For further details and to join Business Watch contact Lorraine King at the Greenway Business Centre on 01279 408100.