Supt Chiariello told Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership that after being invited to speak at its regular breakfast briefing on the issue of business crime, he looked for a related strategy locally or within Thames Valley Police – but could not find one.
He said: “TVP has no formal business crime strategy and there has been no requirement for a local strategy. Yet business forms a significant community within Milton Keynes. So I felt it incumbent on me to develop one.”
Supt Chiariello, who has been in post for six months, told Business Leaders members and guests that business crime is defined as an offence committed against a person or property motivated by the connection of that person or property to a business.
That can include theft from retail premises, online and cyber-crime and fraud.
He said: “A business crime strategy will aim to reduce crime against businesses in Milton Keynes through engagement and sharing of intelligence so crime trends and perpetrators can be identified, and appropriate prevention advice or actions be put in place.
“It should also achieve a shared understanding of the definition of business crime and support business crime forums and watch-schemes that encourage partnership working and problem solving.”
Supt Chiariello said the police should have the trust and confidence of the business community for them to report crime and incidents. His officers will support communities and victims of business crime and ensure they receive a response from the police.
He invited MKBLP to be part of creating the strategy. “The way forward is to review any existing partnership arrangements, confirm and clearly define the issues, clarify any actions for the police and the business community and develop a plan with key milestones and measures,” Supt Chiariello said.
MKBLP chairman Dr Philip Smith said members would embrace any initiative to tackle a problem which cost businesses and their clients and customers hundreds of millions of pounds a year.
He added: “The business community needs to be talking to and working with the police on this important national issue and MK Business Leaders is pleased to take a lead on it here in Milton Keynes.”
