THE business community has set out its priorities following a meeting with Cheshire’s new police boss.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer also asked business representatives for their views on the budget and council tax for policing.

Mr Dwyer said: “A vitally important part of my role is to represent the views of the business community when holding the Chief Constable to account.

“I have made sure my first police and crime plan reflects this area of policing.

“I intend to make it my business to ensure the police work hard to further reduce crimes such as robbery from businesses, theft by employees, shoplifting and making off without payment.”

Representatives from Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, manufacturers’ organisations and the Institute of Directors talked about their concerns at the meeting at Cheshire Police’s HQ in Winsford.

Discussions included how they can do more to help their members prevent online credit card fraud and metal theft and assist the policing of hauliers.

They also discussed the need for businesses to report crime to the police and not accept losses from crime as inevitable.

Mr Dwyer added: “The figures for business crime in Cheshire are very low.

“Last year just 91 business robberies were reported, a 14 per cent decrease on the previous year.

“Commercial burglary fell by 16 per cent. In this economic climate, police and businesses need to work together to ensure we are doing all we can.”