Monday, 4 May 2020
Following a spike in business break-ins during the COVID-19 shutdown, the South Australian Business Chamber has joined forces with Crime Stoppers, South Australia Police and the Department for Innovation and Skills to help protect business owners from opportunistic thieves.
A free webinar will be held on Wednesday night where business owners will be given step-by-step measures to protect their business from both physical and cyber threats.
The South Australian Business Chamber CEO, Martin Haese, said dealing with theft was the last thing businesses needed right now with cashflow already under extreme pressure.
“Our businesses are suffering immensely already and the last thing we want is for them to fall victim to criminal behaviour during this incredibly difficult time,” Mr Haese said.
“For many businesses, the tills have stopped running, sales are down, and they simply cannot afford the costs to repair doors or windows that have been smashed into by criminals.
“We are also seeing businesses move more of their operations online whether that be selling goods and services via e‑commerce or mobilising staff to work from home. Unfortunately, this presents an increased risk for business owners from cyber criminals.
“I encourage all business owners to tune into our Webinar and do everything they can to protect their businesses from COVID crooks.”
While residential crime has reduced with more people staying at home during COVID-19, Police have reported that commercial break-ins increased by 26 per cent in March compared to the same time last year.
Sharon Hanlon, Chair of Crime Stoppers South Australia, encouraged business owners to attend the webinar and take steps to protect their business.
“As South Australia’s most trusted information receiving service, we welcome the opportunity to partner with industry leaders to help ensure local businesses avoid becoming a victim of crime at the very time when they are already struggling in tight economic conditions because of the pandemic,” she said.
“Crimes can affect entire communities and impact on the confidence of the State. Recent research in partnership between Crime Stoppers and the South Australian Business Chamber shows that more than two thirds of participating SA businesses have already been a victim of crime in the past two years, so it is more critical than ever to keep the bad guys at bay.”
The Protect Your Business from COVID Criminals Webinar is supported by the Department for Innovation and Skills and will be held on Wednesday 6 May from 5:30pm‑6:30pm.
