Many retailers are opening as many doors and windows as they can to keep a flow of air through their shops but unguarded back doors are literally an open invitation to thieves. They are also seeing an increase in the theft of possessions from behind shop counters as staff forget to use lockers or staff rooms.

Despite this blip in retail crime, Brighton & Hove Police continue to achieve crime reduction targets. The last performance year which ended on March 31st 2010, saw crime reduction of 3.1% which in real terms equals 774 less victims of crime. This was set against a target of -3% and continues the unbroken trend of falling crime which started in 2005.

Any retailers concerned about crime in their business should contact the Business Forum's Business Crime Reduction Partnership on 01273 733393.