Theft of Goods and Materials
Welsh businesses often hold a range of goods and materials ranging from stock and supplies to raw materials, which could be attractive to criminals.
Impact
The theft of goods could have a number of impacts on your business. If a business has a raw material stolen, such as a herd of cattle, then that will infringe on their ability to turn that cattle into a sellable material. This means that farmer’s business suffers and results in a loss of revenue. The impact on the community then means that butchers and other food shops in the area may not get the product they need to sell. This means they too lose out on revenue and, could in the worst case scenario, cease to trade.
Prevention
Businesses could improve their security measures with CCTV systems and alarm systems as well as covering up their goods. If businesses rely on livestock, they could mark their animals in such a way that would mean they are easily identified if they go missing.
Report it
Call your local Police on 101. However, in an emergency always use 999. 101 is the number to call if, for example:
- a vehicle has been stolen
- property has been damaged
- you’re giving information about other crime
The number can be used to report a non-emergency to any Police Force in Wales. Calls to 101 from landlines and mobile networks cost 15p per call, no matter what time of day you call or how long you are on the phone.
In an emergency, always dial 999. This is when immediate action is required, such as:
- a crime is in progress
- someone suspected of a crime is near by
- someone’s life is at risk
- someone is injured
- there is violence being used or threatened