Business Watch

Knowsley Chamber’s Business Watch aims to help businesses within the borough of Knowsley to be aware of crime issues and problems; share information and keep up to date; increase awareness and provide an easy route by which to report suspicious activity

Update on activity:

01/10/11 Theft of number plates from Vertex, Deacon Park

03/10/11 & 04/10/11 Making off without payment from Texaco, Gale Road

03/10/11 Report of polish males sleeping in vans on Moorgate road, near to Vertex

04/10/11 Report of a youth "razzing" around Spinney View on a scooter

05/10/11 Fraud and forgery, Gale Road

05/10/11 Fraud and forgery, Abercombie Road

Advice for small businesses

The chances of you becoming a victim of violent crime are low. Violent crimes by strangers in public places are still rare and account for a very small part of recorded crime.

However, you can make yourself even less likely to be the victim of a violent crime such as robbery or assault by taking a few sensible precautions, many of which you probably already do.

The Chamber hosts a weekly "Wednesday Surgery" with a Merseyside PCSTO in attendance therefore if you have any concerns or issues then please telephone 0151 477 1356 to book an appointment.  Alternatively contact

Marie Hilton, PCSTO 0051, Kirkby, on 0151 777 6580

The following advice is designed to reduce the chances of you becoming a victim of crime:

• Your safety is more important than valuables or cash - if they are snatched or you are attacked let them go, as it is not advisable to confront your attacker.
• If taking cash to the bank, vary your times and consider depositing smaller amounts more frequently.
• Vary your route, but do not be tempted to use deserted parks, alleys or waste ground as a shortcut.
• Vary the staff members taking the cash and think 'Safety in numbers' so avoid going alone.
• Be aware of your immediate surroundings and avoid texting or using a mobile phone or iPod whilst carrying valuables, as your concentration may be elsewhere.
• Walk facing the traffic, as you will be aware if a vehicle stops immediately in front of you.
• On arrival at the bank, do not openly count cash in front of people.
• Be discreet and do not make it obvious that you are carrying cash. Put it in a handbag or other suitable holdall rather than carrying it in a marked cash bag.
• Carry a personal attack alarm, which you should have in your hand or immediately accessible, and not at the bottom of your bag.
• If the bank is not within a short distance, take a taxi or get a lift from another member of staff.
• Consider using the services of a cash collection company.

Further crime reduction advice is available at: www.merseyside.police.uk/crimeprevention