Black Country Chamber has taken action after receiving a number of reports from members relating to crime in the Bilston area. The crimes included break-ins at businesses which have resulted in criminal damage and theft. This impacts heavily on local industry and can result in companies considering relocation if problems persist. To support local Black Country businesses, Craig Fowler, a Black Country Chamber Relationship Manager, contacted the Wolverhampton Business Crime Reduction Group to advise them on the issues businesses are facing.
Following on from this Chamber intervention, the police have now visited all the companies in the local area and have set up a Business Watch scheme of which 11 of the local businesses are engaged in. Superintendent Keith Fraser, who heads the crime prevention committee, has also assured local businesses that action will be taken and has set up a list of activities for his junior officers to follow up on to resolve this problem.
Recently the Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, paid a visit to the estate along with the West Midlands Police and Wolverhampton Business Crime Reduction Group. This was a successful meeting, where the formation of the Business Watch was praised and the communication between all parties was highlighted as key to the success of combating the crime issues in the area.
Craig Fowler, Black Country Chamber Relationship Manager, commented: “When I was approached by the Chamber members about the issue at the trading estate, I knew something had to be done to support these local businesses. I am delighted with the outcome and that action is now being taken to help reduce the crime rate in the area. One key action is a discussion regarding improvements to the security of the whole estate and individual premises. I will be championing this group moving forward and the Chamber as a whole is here to help businesses with any concerns they have.”
The Chamber is active in helping to support members that need guidance and this is an excellent example of working with local businesses to promote growth and success. The Chamber will sit on the Business Watch Group to ensure that businesses are represented and get the backing they need against crime.
