Business Crime

If you have been a victim of crime, don’t suffer in silence. Even if you do not want to report the crime to the police, think about telling a trusted friend or family member so they can help and support you. Nottinghamshire Victim CARE can also provide you with help and support even if you do not want to report the crime to the Police.

Victim CARE can provide:

• Emotional support to help you cope and recover from the crime
• Advocacy with other agencies and organisations
• Advice on crime prevention and provision of target hardening equipment (if required)
• Practical support and advice
• Restorative Justice
• Support applying to Criminal Injuries Compensation (CICA)

Call Nottinghamshire Victim CARE on 0800 304 7575

If you do want to report the crime to the police please see our page on reporting a crime.

Business crime could be anything from shoplifting and criminal damage to harassment or assault, in connection to your work or business.

Practical Advice

If you were injured as part of an assault you might be entitled to apply for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. As defined by the scheme, blameless victims who have been injured as part of a violent crime could be awarded compensation – for more information on the scheme and eligibility visit the government website here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/criminal-injuries-compensation-a-guide#eligibility

Looking After Yourself

Everyone reacts differently to experiencing a crime. It is important however to recognise that whatever has happened to you, it can still feel like a violation.

If you have any physical injuries, it is important that you get these checked out as soon as possible at either a walk in centre or Accident and Emergency – you can find your local urgent care centre here https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/Urgent-Care/LocationSearch/0

You might also find that you feel suddenly quite emotional, you might struggle to sleep properly or feel anxious being in your home or out and about. It is important that you recognise that all of these are not unusual to experience following any crime.

Some ways you can help yourself during this time:

• Let your friends and family know what has happened, and if you feel comfortable, tell them how you feel
• If possible, speak to your workplace or school – see whether they can offer flexibility or time off to sort things out
• If you are struggling with your emotional wellbeing, speak to your GP – they may be able to refer you for counselling

The NHS Moodzone pages have a lot of tips on how to boost your emotional wellbeing which you can find here.

Protecting your premises:

• Ensure your property is secure, and that you invest in adequate security measures. You can contact your local crime prevention officer in the Police or council to get further advice.
• If you don’t have an alarm, consider getting one – and put up signs on the premises warning of its presence.
• Consider whether installing CCTV could be beneficial

Protect yourself or your staff:

• Ensure you or your team have up to date personal safety training, so everyone understands what to do in a serious threat.
• Remember, it is better to give up cash or goods than get hurt while refusing to do so.
• Keep as little cash on site as possible, and routinely empty the tills.
• Ensure parts of the premises are only accessible to staff.

Protect your data:

• Shred all confidential paperwork, especially containing sensitive or personal information
• Install anti-virus software, and firewalls on your computer networks.