Business crime often overlooked says Liberal Democrat shadow home secretary Chris Huhne

9.49.35pm GMT Tue 24th Mar 2009

Local businesses, including town centre shops, struggling to keep their heads above water are often exposed to the added burden of costs caused by petty vandalism, smashed windows, graffiti and the like.

meeting with Local Lib Dem Chairman Phil Knowles and Cllr Dr Sarah Hill during a recent visit to Market Harborough, the Lib Dem shadow home secretary Chris Huhne added his voice to a call for action.

Mr Huhne said such crime was often overlooked and repeated his call for more police on the beat. He also spoke of the need to give Police and support officers the right to get vandalism and graffiti put right straight away by practical action.

Sarah Hill and Phil Knowles said:

"We briefed Chris Huhne on the local situation, the number of incidents and the actions being taken. The current economic situation is already seeing many businesses across the country holding on by their finger tips. The added burden and cost implications of such petty vandalism may in some cases be the final straw'.