Provide better support to protect businesses against online crime
The PCC has made a concerted effort to engage with local business communities and fully understand the issues and challenges faced by them with regard to crime and community safety.
Upon re-election in 2016 he made a series of pledges relating to business crime, seeking to improve relationships and communication between businesses and the police, and implementing more effective responses to crime and incidents.
More specifically, this commitment recognises the specific threat posed by online crime and the need for a specific response to this significant, and growing, issue.
Under our other business crime commitments we have outlined how the Commissioner has worked with Dorset Police to improve the overall response to business crime, including the development of a new Business Crime Strategy and the implementation of more robust meeting and engagement arrangements, allowing for increased confidence and more effective information sharing.
This term of office has also seen the appointment of a dedicated Cyber Crime Protect and Prevention Officer within Dorset Police, providing a dedicated resource to inform and advise the public on effective ways to protect themselves online.
As part of the wider range of Cyber Crime resources produced by Dorset Police, specific guides for small businesses have been highlighted, including links to a free cyber security training package produced by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
The Dorset Police Cyber Crime Protect and Prevention Officer is also available to deliver free talks and presentations to small and medium enterprises, providing cyber security advice. A number of these sessions have taken place and the officer is keen to reach as many organisations as possible. On occasion, these sessions have been delivered in conjunction with the Commissioner’s own public engagements and the PCC continues to promote this resource when attending community groups and functions.
Advice, information and guidance is also provided through the Dorset Police Cyber Protect social media accounts – including updates on the latest scams and security concerns.
The OPCC-led business crime working group is currently working on the implementation of regular, structured seminars focused around specific topics and issues. It is anticipated that online crimes and fraud will feature significantly within these sessions and provide further opportunities to give tailored crime prevention advice.