ATTACKS by yobs are blighting one in three Yorkshire firms, it has emerged.
A third of firms in the region polled by insurer Royal & Sun Alliance claimed they had been targeted by yobs.
Damage included graffiti, broken windows and damaged cars.
Nearly half of firms surveyed wanted the Government to do more to tackle anti-social behaviour.
And 80% said parents should take more responsibility for the actions of their offspring.
About a quarter of firms hit by yob behaviour said they had considered moving premises to escape its effects.
Dave Berry, policy and representation officer for Huddersfield-based Mid-Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said he was not surprised by the findings.
He said anti-social behaviour was one of the major issues highlighted in a crime survey conducted by the chamber amongst their member firms.
Mr Berry said: "Examples of anti-social behaviour suffered by firms include vandalism and graffiti.
"It is not just shops that are affected.
"We have had manufacturing firms on industrial estates suffering broken windows and damage to property."
Mr Berry said: "It hits businesses in the pocket, but it also damages trade by presenting a poor image to customers who call round."
Brendan McManus, commercial director for Royal & Sun Alliance, called its survey results "absolutely staggering".
He said: "I fear that the plight of these long-suffering firms is hugely underestimated in the current debate about yob culture."
