Pictured above: Chief Constable Chris Sims, Louise Bennett, Amrik Bhabra

Cutting business crime remains a priority for West Midlands Police - and that's been welcomed by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber met Chief Constable Chris Sims at its Oak Tree Conference Centre in Binley and discussed a range of issues from petty crime to managing the Papal visit to Coventry in September.

A dozen influential business people represented the views from varying sectors and Amrik Bhabra, the vice president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said it was a positive meeting.

"We were grateful to Chris Sims for coming along and it was good to be able to offer him a perspective from businesses on the ground," he said.

"It was a very sensible discussion that covered everything from dealing with the effects of youth unemployment and how that can increase crime in specific areas to how businesses can help protect themselves against crime.

"West Midlands Police has maintained business crime as a priority and we certainly welcome that along with further discussion and partnership working."

Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the organisation would help to co-ordinate the Pope's visit from a business point of view.

"We welcome the continued dialogue with West Midlands Police," she said. "The Papal visit is going to be a very positive event for the city and the region.

"But, naturally, many businesses have their concerns about how it will affect them in terms of road closures and other logistical issues. Most, however, are happy to fit in around that as long as they have plenty of notice about what is happening. 

"The Chamber is the best vehicle for getting that message out to local businesses."