More than two-thirds (64%) of small firms have had a crime against their businesses costing each on average £2,900 and more than a third (39%) of small firms do not report such crimes – showing not much has improved over the past two years.
The report, Localism and tackling crimes against business, statistically shows some of the reasons why small firms have not been reporting crime: nearly half (46%) said they didn't think it would achieve anything, a third (34%) thought the police would not be able to succeed in prosecution and a quarter (25%) said they thought the police just would not be interested.
With small firms having such little confidence in the police and justice system, the FSB is calling for effective action to be taken to improve the response to businesses affected by crime and prevent small businesses from being repeatedly attacked and in some cases forced to close.
Mike Cherry, policy chairman, FSB, said: "Small businesses are the heart of our local communities, and a crime against a small firm is not just an attack against that business but it affects staff and has repercussions on the wider community. With two-thirds of businesses still a victim of crime, the Government needs to step up and engage with this important sector of the community.
"It is paramount that the Government sets out the right local agenda to protect these vital firms that are currently losing up to £3,000 a year to crime. We cannot watch small businesses being repeatedly victimised and as a result forced to close. Businesses need to be encouraged to report crime as soon as it happens."
