Business crime has ‘devastating impact’

ATTITUDES towards business crime needed to be “radically reassessed” as rising break-ins in the recession have devastating effects on small shops and offices and local areas.

Outlining the results of a survey by the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises (ISME) association, which has 8,500 members, its chief executive Mark Fielding said the recession was leading to an increase in crime against businesses. The overall cost of crime now was €1.48 billion, up from €1.43bn the previous year.

Most respondents to a July survey had experienced an increase in break-ins and theft over the last 12 months, with the retail sector suffering most. Theft from staff was also up and crime was now costing the average business €7,500. Up to €4,000 was being spent on security