BUSINESSES in the south are being urged to play their part in government efforts to cut commercial crime.

Home Office minister and Southampton MP John Denham has just launched the first ever consulation programme to look at the problem.

Mr Denham said the 12-week consultation marks an important step towards reducing crime that affects the business community.

"We all know that crime is bad for business. All crimes which affect society in general affect business too, and the knock-on effects of higher crime rates and unemployment can be damaging for entire communities," he said.

"Businesses are increasingly aware of the major role they have to play in reducing crime and opportunities for crime, and some very effective partnerships have already been set up to tackle specific problems."

He said this region was vital to the economic well-being of the UK, yet businesses across the region are falling prey to business crime regardless of their size. Local partnerships are absolutely key in reducing crime in the community.

Hugh Marriage, Crime Reduction Director for the south-east said:

"Preventing business crime may be impossible but reducing it is relatively easy. There are things that all businesses can do to reduce the cost, the risk, the nuisance and the seriousness of crime. Local partnerships are vital in fighting the battle."

Details of the consultation can be found online at www.homeoffice.gov.uk and at www.crimereduction.gov.uk. Representatives from businesses are urged to start by discussing their views with their trade associations.