Crime against business 'not victimless': ISME

Crime is costing small businesses in the region of €1.5bn a year.

The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association says the direct cost has increased by 136% since 2007.

The group is calling for an increased garda presence to tackle crime against businesses, saying that there is evidence of non-reporting due to a lack of faith in the judicial system.

ISME's Mark Fielding said this type of crime needs to be properly measured.

"The annual report of the garda commission should include a section concerning crime against business." he said.

"Many people regard (it) as a victimless crime, and nothing could be further from the truth - many businesses are not insured against thins type of crime."