More than half of workplaces have reported at least one serious crime in the past year, according to a survey released today.
Eleven of the 20 workplaces that took part in the "Crime in the Workplace" study by Victim Support reported "a serious incident" in the past 12 months.
Such an incident is described as one involving "violence with weapons such as shotguns, knives, syringes, screwdrivers, hammers and furniture."
The most serious crimes mentioned were physical assaults, with armed robberies also featuring heavily. Over half of the businesses claimed they regularly experienced verbal abuse and intimidation of staff.
Victim Support is a voluntary agency which provides support to victims of crimes.
