- Small improvement on 2017 figures
- 34% of businesses have been targeted by criminal activity
- 24% of businesses reported higher insurance premiums as a direct result of business crime
- 15% of businesses were the victim of false personal injury claims
- 87% of SME business owners see the judicial system as ineffective
- 26% of businesses have experienced cyber-crime
- 43% have been the victim of credit card fraud
- 85% receive spam related emails
- The highest incidence of crime was reported in Leinster
ISME, the Irish SME Association has today (26th September) published the results of its annual crime survey. The survey found that 34% of businesses have been the victim of crime in the last twelve months, with 66% of businesses experiencing more than two incidents. The Association makes eleven recommendations to Government, law enforcement, and business to help reduce crimes.
Commenting on today’s publication ISME CEO, Neil McDonnell said, “Today’s results highlight the threats facing business. Crime not only reduces profit and increases costs; it affects both corporate reputation and employee morale.”
“There are several concerns highlighted in today’s report. One particular area is the impact crime is having on insurance premiums. 18% of businesses would not report a crime for fear of increased insurance premiums; furthermore, 24% of businesses experienced higher insurance premiums as direct result of business crime.
“In this report we make eleven recommendations to law enforcement agencies and government, which would help reduce crime against business.”
He added,
“The costs associated with business crime impact business sustainability. We hope this report will maintain Government focus on crime against business and employers. We need much more aggressive enforcement against white-collar crime such as insurance fraud and cyber-crime.”
For a full breakdown of the report click here.
ENDS
For further information, please contact
Wayne Tobin, Press, Policy and Research Officer
T: 01 6622755
E: [email protected]
