The Police Service of Northern Ireland is taking part in Safer Business Action Week, a national initiative coordinated by the National Business Crime Centre. The week begins on Monday 9 November and aims to prevent crime, target offenders, and improve safety for business owners, staff, and customers.

Across Northern Ireland, local policing teams will carry out business crime focused activity, including high-visibility patrols, engagement with local businesses, targeted action against offenders, and practical crime prevention advice. Police and partners will also run Safer Business Action Days throughout the week, visiting local businesses to understand the challenges they face daily.

Superintendent Pete Cunningham, the PSNI’s Business Crime Lead, said businesses and retailers are central to communities in Northern Ireland, providing vital services, creating employment, and helping towns and city centres thrive. He noted that crime against businesses can have a significant impact, particularly on staff who may experience theft, antisocial behaviour, intimidation, or abuse in the course of their work. He said the week is an opportunity to listen to businesses, strengthen partnerships, and take practical action to prevent crime, support victims, and target those responsible.

Cunningham added that officers will be out engaging with businesses and communities throughout the week, and encouraged business owners, employees, and members of the public to speak to them, share concerns, and make use of crime prevention advice and reporting options. He said business crime can be under-reported and urged everyone to report crimes or suspicious activity to build an accurate picture of local issues, prevent offending, and pursue those who cause harm.

Superintendent Lisa Maslen of the National Business Crime Centre said Safer Business Action Week provides an important opportunity to highlight the challenges businesses face daily while recognising continued partnership work across the country. She said outcomes from joint efforts demonstrate the positive impact of police, local authorities, and the business community working together to reduce harm and make places safer for people to work and shop.

Businesses and the public may see additional police presence during the week as officers speak with business owners, managers, and staff to understand local concerns, provide reassurance, and share advice on preventing and reporting crime. The PSNI encourages everyone to report suspicious activity or crimes by calling 999 in an emergency, or 101 or reporting online for non-emergencies. It also promotes PSNI Connect, a free community engagement platform for residents, businesses, and community groups to keep in touch with local police.

Further advice and information on business crime is available on the PSNI website.