A crime prevention conference is taking place this week to discuss cyber-crime, modern slavery, counter-terrorism and violence against retailers.

Lancashire-based businesses are invited by Lancashire police to attend the conference at Ewood Park on Thursday, where speakers from a range of backgrounds will talk about the simple steps they can take to reduce the risks of them being targeted by criminals.

Business Crime Coordinator for Lancashire Police, Michael Grime, said: “Crime prevention is key to reducing the risks of becoming a victim of crime and we want to work with businesses to educate them on the simple steps they can take to reduce their risks of being targeted by criminals.

"This conference is one way we do that.

“Evidence shows that criminals are less likely to target businesses where crime prevention methods, such as CCTV, alarm systems and security products are in place.

“So, whether your business is large or small, the event will provide valuable insight into how to reduce the risks of things going wrong through proactive crime prevention methods and also look at what to do if your business is targeted by criminals, both online and offline.”

The event will also see the Pan Lancashire Anti-Slavery Partnership launch their modern slavery business support toolkit to mark International Day for the Abolition of Slavery.

Developed in conjunction with a Lancashire business, the toolkit aims to help ensure the transparency of business’s supply chains and to reduce the risk of modern slaves being used in these supply chains.

The conference will be held on Thursday December 5 at Ewood Park, Blackburn.

Businesses can book a place at the conference by following this link: eventbrite.co.uk/e/crime-prevention-conference-tickets-72918109027