£60,000 funding allows firms to combat crime

MORE than £60,000 has been awarded to businesses across Oldham to beef-up security.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said 14 businesses across the borough had successfully bid for grants totalling £39,000.

In addition, £25,000 had been given to a partnership of businesses working together.

The money is part of the £5million Small Retailers Grants Fund aimed at reducing crime.

The money will be spent on security devices including alarms, security cameras and UV markers.

Mr Campbell said: “This fund was set up to provide real help to the small businesses that need it the most and I am delighted that more than 1,000 retailers will benefit from the increased security these grants will provide.

“It is just one part of the Government’s work to target the crimes that affect businesses, especially during an economic downturn.

“We will continue working closely with the industry and police to ensure action is being taken to keep crime down.”

The fund is a part of the Retail Crime Action Plan (RCAP) published last year and was drawn up in conjunction with the retail industry.

It sets out a broad range of actions to tackle crimes against retailers and small businesses.

As well as the Small Retailers Grants Fund the Home Office also published an online risk assessment tool for businesses developed by crime prevention experts.

Small business owners can complete the tool online to identify simple things they can do to improve the security of their store and who they can contact for help.

To do the assessment visit www.homeoffice.gov.uk/secureyourbusiness