Action Against Business Crime is folding at the end of the year for lack of funding, Michael Schuck, Chief Executive reports.
Mike Schuck, pictured, has mailed to AABC corporate members: <br> <br>I am writing to you to let you know, with great regret, that as the British Retail Consortium, our parent body, is no longer able to offer us financial support, AABC will cease to be able to offer its services to you and the BCRPs as from December 31, 2008. <br> <br>All staff will be made redundant and residual AABC activities will be retained by BRC, including the website and annual conference. The BRC is examining how the work of AABC can be maintained in the future in a different manner. We hope that these developments may provide an opportunity to work with you again in the future. <br> <br>We all feel extremely disappointed at this outcome as we have all worked very hard to create over 250 partnerships and to create a partnership structure which reduces business crime, anti-social behaviour and violence and supports businesses and police in their efforts to reduce business crime.<br> <br>Your support for our efforts over the years has been has been greatly appreciated and has added credibility and importance to our work. I hope that this has been reciprocated and that you have benefited from your ability to reach a wider audience.<br><br>Where does that leave various regional and individual retail and business crime partnerships? <br><br>David Wilson, chairman of the MRCI Board of Directors, of Mansfield Business Against Crime, told Professional Security: “MRCI (Midlands Regional Crime Initiative) has been working with AABC for some time now and was shocked and disappointed at the withdrawal of funding to AABC at such a critical time when acquisitive crime is likely to be on the increase. We will continue to support AABC and have been in contact with BRC to try and find out what the future holds and offering to work with them to support our partnerships. MRCI continue to be in a strong position. MRCI excel in intelligence sharing and can work with you and advise on any business crime issues. As a goodwill gesture if you have any problems or need any advice and guidance, you can contact the MRCI during the next three months free.”
