Essex's business community is demanding Government action to help dam a wave of crime that is costing the British economy billions of pounds a year.

According to a survey carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce, £18bn is lost to the UK every year as a result of crimes against businesses, with firms more than twice as likely to be the victim of crime than individuals.

The BCC's Business Crime Survey 2001 shows 58 per cent of businesses report being a victim of crime in the last 12 months compared with 27 per cent of individuals. The survey also reveals crime costs the average company £5,000 per year.

But in spite of such shocking figures, the feeling still remains within the business community that crime against business is just not being taking seriously.

David Horsley, deputy chief executive of Essex Chambers of Commerce - whose members contributed to the survey - said: "There is often a perception that businesses are profitable and insured, there by making business crime a 'victimless crime'. But the social and economic costs of business crime are staggering.

"Crimes against businesses have wider implications, depriving communities of amenities and services, threatening jobs, increasing business costs and jeopardising local investment. For small businesses with few resources, crime can tip the balance from success to failure.

"Government, police and local authorities must do more to work with the business community to help reduce the burden of this forgotten crime."

But according to Nigel Havens, director of Havens in Westcliff, business itself has to take responsibility in the fight against crime.

"I really do think that businesses, particularly retailers, need to work closely with the police and put in preventative measures themselves. It's no use leaving it all to the police."

Published Tuesday December 18, 2001