The North Wales police and crime commissioner has backed a week of action against business crime.

The Safer Business Action Week, initiated by the National Business Crime Centre, aims to reduce offences.

The effort, which started on October 14, will see police forces and partners collaborate on targeted operations and community engagement to raise awareness of business crime.

Police and crime commissioner Andy Dunbobbin marked the beginning of the week by visiting Rhyl to meet Ashley Rogers, the chief executive of North Wales Business Council.

They discussed types of business crime affecting North Wales and prevention strategies.

Business crime can take many forms, including shoplifting, burglary, and making off without payment.

These offences can significantly impact businesses, causing financial losses and long-term consequences like increased insurance premiums, additional security costs, and harm to staff wellbeing.

Recent figures for North Wales reveal 4,777 shoplifting incidents, 529 thefts of making off without payment, 525 business and community burglaries, 382 instances of criminal damage, and 98 attempted burglaries from October 2023 to September 2024.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has been involved in several initiatives to tackle business-related crime issues.

In June 2023, the office co-hosted a free event at Wrexham University on cybersecurity for North Wales business owners.

The Cyber Security North Wales conference gathered more than 100 attendees to discuss protective measures against cybercrime.

Also, in May 2023, the office organised a conference in Llandudno Junction focusing on modern slavery risks to local businesses.

In August, the commissioner, along with Welsh Government Minister Jack Sargeant MS, visited a Boots store in Bangor to discuss retail staff protection against abuse.

This forms part of ongoing efforts to address safety concerns in the retail sector.

Mr Dunbobbin is a supporter of the ShopKind campaign, which encourages respectful behaviour in retail stores to reduce violence and abuse against shopworkers.

Mr Dunbobbin said: "This national week of action is a crucial step in addressing the challenges faced by our business community.

"By working together with local businesses and partners like Ashley, we can develop effective strategies to prevent and tackle business crime across North Wales."