A new partnership has been launched to tackle business crime in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Police and crime commissioner (PCC), Donna Jones, announced the establishment of the Business Crime Partnership, aimed at reducing crime impacting businesses and the communities they serve.

The initiative aims to unite businesses, professional organisations, the police and public sector agencies.

The partnership, chaired by Ms Jones, was set in motion at John Lewis in Westquay shopping centre in Southampton.

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The partnership aims to reduce crime impacting businesses (Image: Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner) The members have pledged to work together to find effective solutions to business crime, in line with Ms Jones' ambition to identify, prevent and tackle all forms of crime affecting businesses.

Ms Jones said: "As commissioner, I am a voice for thousands of businesses.

"As their representative, it is my duty to understand their crime concerns and to ensure they receive a robust policing response."

She also highlighted the issue of shoplifting, stating: "Shoplifting makes people feel really unsafe in their communities, and it is often linked to serious and organised crime, putting businesses and livelihoods at risk.

"The chief constable and I share a zero tolerance approach to retail crime."

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The partnership's launch coincided with the Safer Business Action Week, run by the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC).

This week focuses on engaging with businesses, identifying and catching suspects, crime prevention and raising awareness.

Ms Jones said: "Every year, businesses are victims of crimes including shoplifting, fraud, scams and theft.

"Added into the mix are prolific offenders and organised crime gangs who steal to order.

"My new partnership will keep business crime at the top of everyone’s agenda.

"By sharing resources and working together, I am determined to increase confidence across the business community."

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Superintendent Patrick Holdaway, who leads the NBCC, welcomed the initiative and assured the partnership of the centre's support.

Beth Simpson, the regional manager for Crimestoppers, described the first meeting as "really positive" and full of "concrete actions going forward".

Rob Dewing, the regional chair of the Federation of Small Businesses South Central Region, also commended the initiative, saying it is a "big step in the right direction".

The Business Crime Partnership is part of the Police and Crime Plan, which sets the strategic direction for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for the next four years until 2028.

For business crime prevention advice, visit the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary website.