Business leaders have issued a double security alert, warning companies to be on their guard against crime and terrorism.

The Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry is working with Thames Valley Police and the Home Office to help firms get the latest security information in the wake of last month's terrorist attacks in the US.

They have also identified business crime as one of the key lobbying priorities for the year and have given member firms a questionnaire as part of a national survey, being carried out in a bid to discover the true cost of crime to UK companies.

Following Government security warnings, the Chamber is advising companies to follow detailed advice given on the Home Office website www.homeoffice.gov.uk and on the Thames Valley Business Crime Centre site www.businesscrime.co.uk

Chamber policy manager Bill McCardle and Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Steve Love are advising firms to remain calm but vigilant.

Mr McCardle said: "The Home Office is telling us that terrorist or criminal incidents of this nature are extremely rare and the overall message to the business community is to remain calm.

"However, if a suspect package is received, sensible steps can be taken to minimise exposure to risk."

Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Steve Love said: "Vigilance and preparation have defeated criminal and terrorist acts for years and we see no reason to change that advice."

The police advise anyone receiving a suspect package to leave it alone and call them immediately.

Even before the events of September 11, the Chamber had targeted crime as a major concern of members.

In a letter to members Mr McCardle wrote: "Crime is frequently identified by businesses as an issue that arouses great concern.

"Business crime is widely seen as 'victimless', as there is a perception among police, the Government and general public that all businesses are profitable and insured.

"But for small businesses with few resources, crime can threaten the viability of the company and cause considerable stress for managers and employees."