The South East Business Crime Conference took place in the heart of Westminster on Thursday, November 27 and gave businesses of the region the opportunity to learn more about reducing their security risk. The event also aided meet and greets with security suppliers and live demonstrations of security technology.
Sponsored by DISC and Facewatch, the event was organised by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) alongside the Metropolitan Police and neighbouring forces from Thames Valley, City of London, Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and Essex.
After the conference, James Kelly, Chief Executive at the BSIA said: “With businesses facing a number of emerging threats such as cybercrime and fraud, the issue of business crime remains at the top of the corporate agenda. Working together with Police forces and other local organisations can help organisations to reduce the risk they face from crime and anti-social behaviour. Our event aims to bring together the South East business community to provide a wealth of expert advice and facilitate useful networking opportunities for business owners looking to source an effective solution to their security challenges.”
Presentations were delivered to delegates:
MOPAC Business Crime Strategy
After an opening speech from the BSIA’s chief exec, Commander Simon Letchford of the Met Police gave a presentation on the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime’s (MOPAC) Business Crime Strategy. Letchford, asserted that the Metropolitan Police wanted London to become one of the safest cities in the world.
Cyber fraud
Next to take the stage was DI Chris Felton of the City of London Police. He discussed trends in cyber-crime and cyber enabled fraud aimed at businesses. He also looked at recent developments as identified via Action Fraud data and intelligence products and provided advice for businesses on how to reduce the risk of cyber / cyber enabled frauds. According to Chris, enhancing awareness of cyber-crime would be, “key to cyber fraud protection.”
Community Safety Accreditation Schemes
Ken Meanwell from the Association of Chief Police Officers then gave a presentation on the benefits in operating community safety accreditation schemes and explained the application process to business delegates.
The ASB & Policing Act 2014
Neil Henson of Sixth Sense Training Ltd provided business delegates with an examination of the new ASB Act and how some sections could work for businesses, while others against.
Business crime
Phillip Jones of Westfield Shopping Towns then gave insights on Business Crime Reduction Partnerships and how they play an increasingly important role in addressing low-level crime, especially in retail. As security chief of London’s two biggest shopping centres, Phillip outlined the benefits and challenges of working together across London’s retail sector.
Facewatch
Richard Thompson, Chief Executive at Facewatch gave an explanation of what Facewatch is as well as the benefits that it can deliver to businesses through secure online crime reporting and image sharing platform. To view the SEBCC presentations visit the BSIA’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/TheBSIA.
Exhibitors were also on hand to provide advice and guidance on the latest in security services and technology. In the run up to the conference, Will Murray, Marketing Director at Skyguard, said: “Skyguard are delighted to be showcasing our exclusive range of personal safety alarms and apps at the BSIA’s South East Crime Conference. We have exhibited at a number of BSIA regional events in the past and always found them to be an effective way of reaching those decision makers who may not attend the bigger national events.”
Among those who exhibited were providers of lone worker protection technology, asset and property marking solutions and intruder alarms. With over 100 delegates in attendance at this year’s the event, the conference provided exhibitors and delegates alike with a networking platform, fostering business opportunities within the security market. For more on the South East Business Crime Conference and other BSIA events visit the BSIA website: www.bsia.co.uk.
