Crime warning for businesses

Dec 13 2007 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HUDDERSFIELD firms with premises left empty over Christmas were urged to take extra care – latest figures showed crimes against businesses have risen by a fifth.

A survey by insurance giant AXA shows the number of business crime claims settled during the third quarter of 2007 is 20% up on the last year.

Theft rose by 27% compared with the third quarter of 2006 and now account\ for more than two-thirds of all crime against businesses. There was also an increase in incidents of malicious damage, arson and forcible entry.

Doug Barnett, risk manager for AXA, said: “Crime-related claims have been consistently higher this year.

“This is particularly worrying as we approach Christmas, traditionally one of the busiest periods for business crime.

“With many people taking holidays and some businesses closing entirely, premises will be left empty or understaffed. Retailers are also vulnerable as stores carry increased stock levels and because customer traffic affords more opportunity for thieves.”