Subsidised security for SMEs

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are to be offered subsidised monitored security systems.

In a programme launched by Action Against Business Crime (AABC), SMEs will be able to protect themselves from crime for only £35 per month.

The security systems, known as MonitoredShop, MonitoredOffice and MonitoredUnit, also come with free installation and a 36-month service contract which includes aftercare.

Lord Dear, AABC chairman, said: "There are many small and medium-size businesses - shops, offices and industrial units - who simply cannot obtain good insurance because they have inadequate security."

The programme is being offered by AABC, in conjunction with security provider 4bi and insurers, in an attempt to reduce crime against SMEs.

The security systems on offer also include hazard detection options such as smoke and flood detectors.

AABC is a not-for-profit organisation which is a part of the Home Office and also a partner of the British Retail Consortium.