The county’s economic success is a key element in plans for fighting crime, members of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce were told at a special networking lunch.

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore and Chief Constable Douglas Paxton were among the speakers at the event, which was held at the Belstead Brook Hotel in Ipswich and attended by more than 80 business leaders.

“There is no doubt that a thriving and vibrant Suffolk economy is fundamental to my Police and Crime Plan,” Mr Passmore said.

“The importance of our quarterly Business Liaison Meetings with business representatives and the Annual Business Forum where support was recorded for better partnership-working between police and businesses shows we are working together for the good of everyone across Suffolk.”

The commissioner and the Chief Constable went on to explain their plans for tackling rural crime, a major concern for many small firms across Suffolk.

“We recognise the importance of greater visibility and being linked into other counties and their operations and that is why we are prioritising that area of our work,” said Mr Passmore.

“We also know the great value of people and technology which is why we have a dedicated Rural Crime Officer working as part of our partnership programme with the business community.”

Other issues addressed in the presentations included cyber crime, fraud, protecting the vulnerable, a regional resonse to serious and organised crime and the challenges of funding in the year ahead for the police and associated services.

“There is no doubt that business will be encouraged that the most senior members fighting crime in Suffolk recognise the importance and influence of the business community,” said Peter Funnell, president of Suffolk Chamber.

“The economic environment remains a challenging one. Our members are working very hard and they need the security in 2014 and beyond that the Police and its associated services are prioritizing them and the business community.”