The Business Crime Initiative, which is run by Nottinghamshire Police and funded by Nottinghamshire County Council, gives advice, guidance and practical support to firms to help protect them against criminals.

Jean Mountain, who works for the Supreme Rubber Stamp Company in Huthwaite and is also a Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce board member, said she was impressed with the scheme.

She told Chad: "This has been a superb venture for us. There are 24 businesses on the Nunn Brook Business Park, where we are based, and we have got a super relationship with the scheme.

"Before it was set up five years ago, there were all sorts of problems on the industrial estate with break-ins, vandalism, arson and abandoned cars.

"Now the companies have saved thousands and we have been given continual support."

The council has been funding the initiative since 2004 and the £90,000 grant will be spent over a two-year period.

As well as supporting the victims of business crime, the project also offers advice and guidance surrounding fire risk assessments, resilience and business continuity.