BURY business leaders were able to count the cost of the threat of crime and fires in the workplace at a special seminar held on Wednesday (Aug 23).

Representatives from local companies received key advice on what important steps they should take to ensure their firms don't vall victim to crime, vandalism and damaging fires.

Representatives from Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester County Fire Service will be took part in the event.

The Workplace Security seminar was staged by Bury Environment Association (BEA) at its Link House headquarters in the town.

Mike Kinsella, BEA manager, said: "Work place security is a must in today's business world. The risks from crime, however, can be reduced through a series of simple but effective measures. "The seminar detailed the types of crime facing businesses and ways to avoid costly disruptions and the threat of vandalism."

He added: "On the environmental front, recent cases where vandals have tampered with a fuel tank, causing pollution, resulted in companies being held liable and prosecuted for failing to take adequate precautions.

"The event looked at the total security issues," said Mr Kinsella.

He went on: "Fire safety was also on the business agenda to protect employees and ensure damge limitation to property, plant and equipment and to prevent costly disruption to operations.

"Companies are under a duty to assess the risks and implement controls and procedures under recent fire precaution legislation.

Among the speakers were be Andy Wright and Christine Morrison, community safety officers with Greater Manchester Police and colleague John Macgrath, force architectural liaison officer.

Other speakers represented Greater Manchester County Fire Service and Bury Council.