CRIMES against business have gone to the top of the agenda for community safety experts in Ryedale next week.

The Safer Ryedale partnership and the district council's Economic Development team have joined forces to present a free Crime Is Our Business event to educate firms on protecting themselves.

A "drop-in" event will be held at the Green Man Hotel, Malton, on Tuesday, from 10.30am until 7pm, with main speakers from noon to 1pm.

In the Yorkshire and Humberside region, a quarter of all crime is committed against businesses - a statistic reflected among Ryedale firms who took part in a recent survey.

PC Terry Triffitt, from Safer Ryedale, hopes the open-day will give valuable guidance.

He said: "We've invited some top crime experts to speak as well as a wide range of exhibitors offering a wealth of advice".

Yorkshire Forward, Malton and Norton Shopwatch, local security firms and planning officers will be among those bodies represented during the day.

Guest speakers include retired Chief Supt Anthony McDermott, who now works for the national body Action Against Crime.

He was responsible for Ryedale before retiring so can add his own local knowledge to his presentation.

PC Triffitt is confident all local firms from across Ryedale can learn something from the event.

"We need to ensure local businesses have all the information available to help them fight retail and business-related crimes.

"But we would also like to see representatives from the farming community which has such a large presence in Ryedale, forming a vital part of the district's economy.

"There will be specialist advice for them on how to protect their property from the would-be criminal.

"We see this event as a golden opportunity to pass on advice and practical ideas - as well as showing local criminals we mean business."

For more details phone Safer Ryedale on 01653 600666 ext 317.

Updated: 11:05 Thursday, January 20, 2005