A NEW survey has revealed that Burton and South Derbyshire are not among the top ten areas for business crime in the UK.
The latest Business Crime Index from AXA, one of the UK’s largest business insurers, shows levels of crime committed against businesses in the UK have grown by 16 per cent in the worst hit areas, while across the UK the cost of theft has increased significantly alongside a rise in the use of violence.
Burton and South Derbyshire were classed as ‘medium’ crime areas with a three per cent increase in crime with the worst affected areas, including Oldham and Doncaster, seeing rises in crime of 16 per cent.
The reasons these figures have risen is due to a sharp rise in issues such as metal thefts.
Douglas Barnett, head of customer risk management, from AXA, said: ““In a continued period of recession it is no surprise to see business crime levels rising, however what is most alarming for business owners is the increase in levels of violence associated with theft. This, coupled with the increase in value of the average theft suggests a more “determined” than “opportunistic” thief is emerging during hard financial times.
“We would urge all businesses to do what they can to reduce the risk of becoming a victim – a big loss can be devastating for small businesses in both financial and emotional terms.”
More information is available by visiting www.axa.co.uk
