Police 'fail' to tackle business crime

BUSINESS leaders today attacked inadequate police responses as one of the factors contributing to a big increase in crime against firms.

Levels of business crime jumped 22% during the last quarter of the year, thanks in part to the lengthy Christmas shut-down which left premises vulnerable to break-ins.

Theft accounted for two-thirds of all crime-related claims made while arson emerged as a significant problem for those affected. Although it accounted for just 3.2% of all claims made, it accounted for more than one-third (35%) of all claims in terms of cost.

The British Chambers of Commerce said crime remained a 'very real problem' for businesses across the UK and undermined staff morale and distracted employers from running their business.

Axa found that almost two-thirds (62%) of businesses believe that there are not enough police on the streets.

And BCC director-general David Frost said he wanted to see the police do more to address the problem: 'Our members tell us that a faster police response would be the most effective way of reducing business crime.

'It is time that all police forces were required to record incidences of business crime so that their performance in tackling the issue can be properly measured.'

Axa's research, which is based on the insurer's own claims database, shows the number of claims settled as a result of criminal activity in the last quarter of the year jumped by over 22%, the biggest quarter-on-quarter rise since the index began two years ago.

Nottingham remains at the top of the business city crime table ? Axa said that more than a quarter (26.9%) of all business claims it settled in the city during the last quarter were crime related. Middlesborough, meanwhile, remains the city with the lowest percentage of crime-related business insurance claims.

The average claim was £3,643 but business leaders say that the true cost, which includes the amount of time employers spend tackling the aftermath of a crime, is much higher.

Neil Mercier, property insurance manager at Axa, said the lengthy Christmas holiday was always a good opportunity for thieves and other criminals.

He added: 'We have seen a sharp increase in the number of claims settled at the end of last year. One of the reasons for this could be because many business premises shut down over the Christmas period, making them easier targets.

'Business owners must remain vigilant at all times and take precautions to safeguard their premises and employees.'