Crime Prevention Forum
At the Crime Prevention Forum on October 12, ACS Chief Executive James Lowman encouraged members to explain the impact of crime on themselves, their staff and their businesses. ACS is preparing guidance for Victim Personal Statements to help retailers put across the effects of a crime, and is working with the Ministry of Justice on their review of their Victims Code.
James Lowman told the Forum: “Victim Personal Statements are really important to Magistrates and Courts, providing them with a richer picture of the circumstances and impact. This equips them to deliver a more informed and appropriate sentencing decision. They are different from witness statements as they focus on the impact of crime on the individual – emotionally, physically or financially.”
Crime Prevention Minister Lord Henley was also at the event and said: “This government is clear that retail crime is certainly not victimless – shops form the lifeblood of our communities and are vital to our economy and social fabric.
“We are listening to the concerns of retailers and taking action. We are shaking up anti-social behaviour powers to make them easier to use, more effective and backed by meaningful punishments. And we are placing power back in the hands of local communities, giving them a proper say in how their area is policed through directly elected police and crime commissioners.”
Presentations from the Forum are available below:
Andy Newman, Metropolitan Police