The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) has held a national week of action to support businesses and reduce business crime across the country.

The week of Action started on Monday 16th October and involved police forces and partners working together to hold targeted operations in towns and city centres, running high profile social media campaigns and engaging with local businesses.

The aim of the week of the week was to conduct targeted intervention of offenders and conduct a range of crime prevention activities including raising awareness of the local issues with the general public.

Sevenoaks

During the week Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon, the West Kent Divisional Commander came on patrol in Sevenoaks in support of the initiative.

Several stores were visited to offer crime prevention advice and key business partners from Marks & Spencer and Francis Jones Jewellers were met to discuss retail crime.

Residents and shoppers were spoken to about any concerns they had and it was explained how local police officers were seeking to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. 

Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon said:

‘This was an excellent opportunity for me to meet with local stakeholders and members of the Sevenoaks Business Crime Reduction Partnership, and hear directly what they needed from our policing resources. I was also able to highlight some of the work we are doing to reduce retail crime, increase police visibility in the town and deter those who seek to travel to Sevenoaks to offend.

‘During our time in the town, it was apparent that PC Hubbard is well-integrated into the community and was approached by many who knew him. It was evident how beneficial and valuable beat officers are to residents and business owners; particularly in their ability to respond promptly to local crime and other issues.’