George,

I received this earlier today from the FSB and thought it might be useful to you and other Nottingham based retailers.

Urgent community message from Nottinghamshire Police for the attention of Businesses. You will be aware from local news that there have been small pockets of disorder in some areas of Nottingham. There will be a high visibility policing response in order to prevent any escalation of any disorder.

We would ask the community to work with us and provide us with any information about any groups gathering or any suspicious behaviour so that we can respond to any possible disorder quickly via 0300 300 99 99. Where life is in danger or crime is already in progress, use 999.

Crime reduction advice for businesses:

- Ensure staff report any suspicious activity to security officials and police
- Consider regular checks of the building and surrounding areas
- Identify any areas that are vulnerable to forced entry and remove loose objects that could be used as missiles such as bricks, waste etc
- If you are able to, move bins inside your premises to reduce arson risk
- Make sure all service doors are kept locked and secure when not in use
- Ensure your CCTV system is fully operational
- We strongly advise removing high value goods from display windows overnight and minimising stock levels until the current wave of problems passes
- Keep as little cash as possible (preferably none) in the building overnight
- Where possible retail premises should be suitably staffed with security guards
- Landlords needs to ensure that residents living above commercial premises are aware of risks and ensure that all fire alarms, smoke alarms and fire escapes are fully functional
- Does your alarm company have the up to date key holder information? If not call them now and get this information updated
- Does your business have an emergency business plan? Ensure you know what stock you have in your premises in the event of needing to make a crime report or insurance claim.
- Petrol stations – we ask that you avoid selling petrol in small containers
- In the event of a non emergency, call the police on non emergency number 0300 300 99 99
- In the event of an emergency, call the emergency number 999

Best wishes,
Toby

Understanding how to access investment and finance for your business has never been more important. Equity finance (investment in exchange for shares in your business) will have an increasingly important role to play in the coming months and years for the early stage growth business.

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