Menu
10/12/2001
Report reveals impact of crime on business
A major new survey on business crime published by the British Chambers of Commerce has revealed that crimes against businesses cost the UK economy £18.8 billion per year.
In a wake-up call to reshape the Home Office agenda on crime, the BCC’s Business Crime Survey 2001 showed 58 per cent of businesses report being a victim of crime in the last 12 months compared with 27 per cent of individuals. The survey revealed that on average, crime costs a company £5,000 per year and mainly results in a disruption of trading.
Firms also suffer higher rates of victimisation than individuals, with more than one-fifth of businesses experiencing a crime at least once every two months. Alarmingly, more than one third of businesses claimed that they had never received crime reduction advice, while 82 per cent of companies reported that they were not aware of a community safety partnership in their area.
Commenting on the findings of the survey, David Lennan, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “There is often a perception in the public sector that businesses are profitable and insured, there by making business crime a ‘victimless crime’. As the survey demonstrates, the social and economic costs of business crime are staggering.
“Crimes against businesses have wider implications, depriving communities of amenities and services, threatening jobs, increasing business costs and jeopardising local investment. For small businesses with few resources, crime can tip the balance from success to failure.
“Crimes against businesses rarely receives the attention it deserves, therefore, Government, police and local authorities must do more to work with the business community to help reduce the burden of this ‘forgotten crime.”
The survey, the largest and most detailed of its kind, covering 3,000 firms of all sizes in all sectors across the UK, uncovered high levels of under-reporting of business crime with 13 per cent of firms claiming they do not report any instances of crime to the police. (MB)
In a wake-up call to reshape the Home Office agenda on crime, the BCC’s Business Crime Survey 2001 showed 58 per cent of businesses report being a victim of crime in the last 12 months compared with 27 per cent of individuals. The survey revealed that on average, crime costs a company £5,000 per year and mainly results in a disruption of trading.
Firms also suffer higher rates of victimisation than individuals, with more than one-fifth of businesses experiencing a crime at least once every two months. Alarmingly, more than one third of businesses claimed that they had never received crime reduction advice, while 82 per cent of companies reported that they were not aware of a community safety partnership in their area.
Commenting on the findings of the survey, David Lennan, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “There is often a perception in the public sector that businesses are profitable and insured, there by making business crime a ‘victimless crime’. As the survey demonstrates, the social and economic costs of business crime are staggering.
“Crimes against businesses have wider implications, depriving communities of amenities and services, threatening jobs, increasing business costs and jeopardising local investment. For small businesses with few resources, crime can tip the balance from success to failure.
“Crimes against businesses rarely receives the attention it deserves, therefore, Government, police and local authorities must do more to work with the business community to help reduce the burden of this ‘forgotten crime.”
The survey, the largest and most detailed of its kind, covering 3,000 firms of all sizes in all sectors across the UK, uncovered high levels of under-reporting of business crime with 13 per cent of firms claiming they do not report any instances of crime to the police. (MB)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 November 2015
Council Hosts 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour'
Belfast City Council hosted the 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour' at City Hall on Thursday, 05 November, which is touring the UK to highlight small business success and encourage people to 'shop local'.
Council Hosts 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour'
Belfast City Council hosted the 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour' at City Hall on Thursday, 05 November, which is touring the UK to highlight small business success and encourage people to 'shop local'.
13 August 2003
Businesses encouraged to help tackle crime
Regional business crime reduction advisers will be employed throughout England and Wales, under the government's new business crime strategy launched today.
Businesses encouraged to help tackle crime
Regional business crime reduction advisers will be employed throughout England and Wales, under the government's new business crime strategy launched today.
29 November 2004
Survey reveals falling business crime rate
According to the latest figures in the first national Government business crime survey conducted since 1994, overall crime is down 30% since 1997. Crime against retailers is seven percentage points lower than almost ten years ago and crime against manufacturers 12 percentage points lower.
Survey reveals falling business crime rate
According to the latest figures in the first national Government business crime survey conducted since 1994, overall crime is down 30% since 1997. Crime against retailers is seven percentage points lower than almost ten years ago and crime against manufacturers 12 percentage points lower.
01 March 2002
Ethnic minorities lead aspiring entrepreneurs
Ethnic groups are more likely to be thinking about entrepreneurial activity, in terms of plans and aspirations than the country as a whole according to a report published this week by the Small Business Service.
Ethnic minorities lead aspiring entrepreneurs
Ethnic groups are more likely to be thinking about entrepreneurial activity, in terms of plans and aspirations than the country as a whole according to a report published this week by the Small Business Service.
06 February 2002
Fighting spirit shown by UK manufacturers
Manufacturers are showing their fighting spirit despite their fourth recession in ten years and the sharpest downturn in performance in the last 12 months. This is according to a new survey published by HSBC and the British Chambers of Commerce on Wednesday, February 6.
Fighting spirit shown by UK manufacturers
Manufacturers are showing their fighting spirit despite their fourth recession in ten years and the sharpest downturn in performance in the last 12 months. This is according to a new survey published by HSBC and the British Chambers of Commerce on Wednesday, February 6.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
