Irish businesses are losing a huge £775 million a year as a result of crime, a study published today says.
The survey also says an increasing number of business people and staff were being attacked by organised criminals who monitored their movements.
Levels of crime against companies rose by 10 per cent in the past two years and more than half of businesses had fallen victim to crime, the Small Firms Association survey found.
The main crimes were the theft of stock, cash and property. Criminal damage and burglary were also hitting businesses hard, the study found. There was also an increase in the number of violent attacks on business owners and staff.
Over £180 million of goods and property was stolen last year, according to the hundreds of businesses who responded to the survey.
Security costs have been forced up, with businesses spending £451 million on security and £143 million on maintenance each year.
Small Firms Association director Mr Pat Delaney, said: "Crime perpetuated upon the business community is no longer a phenomenon of opportunity meeting need, of spontaneous violence.
"While these remain factors they now take second place to planned professional criminality. It is a worrying development that crime against business has increased so dramatically. Small business has spent hundreds of millions on security and yet the incidence, extent, scope and costs associated with crime have increased".
He said many of those who suffered violent crime were attacked outside the business premises, at home or elsewhere. Some have been abducted and taken to their workplace to hand over cash, Mr Delaney said.
PA