BUSINESS CRIME AFFECTS 4,500 DONCASTER BUSINESSES A YEAR
62% of Doncaster businesses have experienced at least one incidence of crime in the last 12 months; this is higher than the national average of 58%. This is the equivalent of over 4,500 Doncaster businesses falling victim to crime at a cost of £32m to the Doncaster economy each year and thus constraining the exciting economic regeneration that Doncaster is currently experiencing.
A major survey published today highlights concerns from employers that the costs of business crime are hidden and often goes unreported as politicians, the public and the Police appear to treat crimes against business as a lower priority. Furthermore, businesses operating in Yorkshire and the Humber are more likely to experience at least one instance of business crime a year than in any other region in the UK.
Almost two-thirds of businesses experienced business crime in the past year and whilst much of it was low-level offences such as vandalism or damage to property this carries a real financial cost. There are also substantial hidden costs such as wasted staff time, disrupted trading, lower staff morale and postponed investment. The survey reveals a small number of firms for whom business crime is a major problem and cost that threatens the viability of their businesses.
The key findings are as follows:
- 62% of businesses in Doncaster experienced at least one incidence of business crime in the past 12 months.
- 59% of Doncaster businesses believe the level of business crime has a negative impact on expansion decisions whilst even more, 68% believe it has a negative impact on inward investment.
- There is a major problem of under reporting business crime with 25% of business crimes going unreported. Of those businesses that do not report incidents 40% state that this is because they do not have confidence in the Police.
- 61% of business respondents believed that crime is serious problem for Doncaster.
Doncaster Chamber supports the work of the Police and respects the difficult job they do for our communities. The report does however reveal some genuine concerns from companies about the way in which the Police prioritise and respond to business crime. Only 29% of respondents are confident that the Police deal with the issues that are important to their business with an overwhelming 98% of businesses stating that a ‘faster Police response’ would be effective in reducing crime against business. The overall conclusion is that the level of business crime is under-reported, the impacts under-estimated and the priority under-emphasised.
Steve Smith, Managing Director of Doncaster business Maltings Timber said:
“Our business, Maltings Timber, has been affected at least seven times over the last couple of years by business crime. This has created additional expense through increased security measures and additionally played havoc with our stock levels when things go missing. Graffiti is a seemingly petty crime but these low levels of vandalism have created serious problems and we have had to alter our signage and the way we promote our business as a result. We have however received some great advice through the Business Crime Reduction Centre and our committed to delivering great products and service to our customers despite the difficulties sometimes created by business crime.”
Jamie Latham, Account Manager, highlander Business Solutions said:
“As the most valuable commodity within in business is its data, keeping this secure is paramount. Security policy must be shaped around taking all necessary measures including implementing the right technologies and policies to realise this aim. Our business sees implementation of such technologies as firewalls, encryption software, and secure remote access platforms as a must for maintaining control over data flows and user rights, as well as external intrusion. The findings of this report demonstrate just how important protection against e-crime should be to Doncaster businesses.”
Commenting on the figures, Stephen Shore, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber said:
“Crime that affects business is not an invisible phenomenon but a serious threat to local jobs and the viability of Doncaster’s exciting economic regeneration. The business owners and employees in Doncaster who strive so hard to create wealth and provide local services deserve a better deal. The costs business crime adds to production or retailing is directly felt by the public. Constrained business growth and limited inward investment in some of our communities costs the jobs we so desperately need in Doncaster. “The low priority with which the Government places business crime was clearly felt by the Doncaster businesses responding to this poll. Doncaster Chamber supports the Police and respects the very difficult job they have to do in communities, however, only 29% of businesses feel that the Police are addressing the issues which are of key concern to them in relation to business crime. This survey points to a range of action we want Government and the Police to address. This survey puts forward a powerful case why businesses, as taxpayers funding the Police, the criminal justice system and community safety initiatives, but more importantly as members of their local community deserve a better deal.”
The full report can be viewed Here: Business Crime - Doncaster - Summary.pdf
For further information contact Daniel Fell, Head of Policy, on 01302 640113.