Over half (51%) of small and medium sized businesses in the UK have been targeted by crime, costing owners up to £25m – or £2,625 for every crime. The study of 500 small to medium business owners, commissioned by independent charity Victim Support and security firm ADT, found that businesses are being repeatedly targeted by criminals which is causing them to lose up to 151 days of trading over the lifespan of the business.
Sadly, we were targeted again by thieves earlier this year, and arrived early to work to discover significant damage to our property and theft of large amounts of expensive and specialist kit and equipment. Despite the obvious security measures and insurance, it seems that little will stop people who consider theft their nightly “work”. And we were not alone the night we were burgled, with a number of our neighbours and colleagues in the area also affected, making this an organised crime.
Some argue that theft such as this is a victim less crime. And while no-one was hurt, the cost is substantial – replacing the stolen kit and equipment, undertaking repairs and replacements to damaged property, increased insurance premiums, to say nothing of the potential for lost business while things are getting back on track. In even smaller businesses than ours, the impact is sometimes so serious that losing jobs or folding altogether is the only option.
Our core business values – Professional, Friendly and Reliable – are clear and helpful in enabling us to bounce back after an experience like this. It’s infuriating and disappointing to come up against people who live by such a different set of values, but we all believe continued success is the very best way to overcome an experience like theft. Normal service was resumed immediately!
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