ESSEX Police and Crime Comission Nick Alston and Chief Constable Jim Barker McCardle joined forces to speak at an event held by Essex Chambers of Commerce.

Mr Alston explained his priorities for the coming year while Mr Barker McCardle spoke about the practicalities of delivering front line policing, and reducing crime and disorder across an operational area that is the eighth-largest of all police forces in the UK.

Mr Alston said: “This was a constructive and valuable meeting with key members of the business community in Essex.

“I have also set up a Business Forum to identify crime issues affecting small, medium and large businesses in Essex, and to ensure that the voice of business is part of the broad debate about to continue to reduce crime in our county.

“It’s clear that rural businesses are particularly affected by acquisitive crime, some of which will be opportunistic, whilst businesses in urban areas tend to suffer fraud or violent crime.

“These are big challenges and I intend to ensure that all businesses are a focus of action for neighbourhood policing teams and Community Safety Partnerships.”

Denise Rossiter, chief executive of Essex Chambers, said “We were delighted to welcome Nick Alston in his new role as Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex and look forward to working closely with him and Essex Police to ensure that business crime is high on their agenda.

“Essex Police provide a valuable service to businesses throughout the county, and events like this enable them to create closer links and develop collaboration with the wider business community.”