Business crime has ‘devastating impact’
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
A small business would have to turn over €100,000 to make up the cost of burglaries and disruption and this cost was being passed onto the consumer.
Just over one-third (38%) of small and medium businesses had insurance.
“This idea that crime against business is a victimless crime does not stand up. It has a devastating impact on businesses and on local areas also,” Mr Fielding said.
