Pay cuts blamed as 40% of firms hit by crime

TWO out of five firms surveyed say they were victims of crime last year with pay cuts and unemployment levels blamed.

Close to one-third believe their business is at greater risk in the current climate according to research conducted by Carlow-based protection company Netwatch.

Three-quarters believe there will be a general increase in crime this year and not one person questioned believed that crime would decrease in 2010.