Business owners are being called upon to tell the police about their experiences of cybercrime, thanks to a new survey available across the region.
Over 50% of crime is conducted online. To help combat this, the North East’s three Police and Crime Commissioners are working very closely with the Institute of Directors and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to ask business owners about how they protect themselves from online fraud.
Chair of the North East branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD), Dr Joanna Berry, said “I am really looking forward to the results of this survey, and to working with the three Police and Crime Commissioners to develop new ways to help businesses to avoid fraud. It’s extremely important that local businesses understand the dangers of cybercrime, and take steps to avoid it.”
Durham’s Police, Crime and Victims Commissioner Ron Hogg said “We have a good partnership with the IoD and the FSB in the battle against cybercrime. They are really helping the Police to find out how businesses are protecting themselves against cybercrime at present, and how this might be taken further in the future.”
Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird said “This survey only takes few minutes to complete. It will make a real difference in helping the police to understand how best we can work with businesses, and it will also tell us what advice businesses need to protect themselves further.”
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger added “We are going to put in place a series of events, booklets and online tools to help businesses avoid fraudulent online activity. Their responses to this survey will shape this publicity activity”.
The survey is being circulated to members of the FSB, IoD and to other business representative organisations. The deadline for returns has been extended until Friday 29 September 2017. Businesses can access the survey at: http://www.durham-pcc.gov.uk/Document-Library/NE-Cybercrime-Survey.docx.
If people or businesses want advice, support or to report fraud they should call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. Alternatively, contact your local police force on 101.