The Cost Of Crime
posted in Crime |Commercial crime
Crime against business shows no sign of diminishing. If anything, it appears to be escalating. 64% of all business surveyed have experienced at least one crime in the last 12 months - a rise from 58% in the 2001 survey.
One third of all premises have been burgled during the past year. A further 19% of businesses have suffered from attempted burglary. Nearly a third of all firms have experienced damage to vehicles and almost one quarter have been victim to structural damage (including vandalism).
One third of businesses surveyed estimate crime costs them more than £1000 per year. For 15% of firms, the cost of crime is estimated greater than £5000 a year. The average cost of crime per business is over £8000 per year.
In 2006 Crime cost London business £338 million. This represents a cost to each business in the capital an average of £14,800 pa.
One third of firms suffered a disruption from trading as a result of crime committed against them. A further 10% has lost business due to crime consequence. A quarter of firms have seen insurance costs increase and staff morale is also damaged.
Over half the businesses surveyed said they did not report all of the crimes suffered to the police. 16% did not report any crimes at all. 32% of businesses failing to report a crime did so because they had no confidence in the police response. One fifth stated that the process was too time consuming.
(Figures courtesy of the BCC)
Domestic Crime
It is impossible to give statistics on how many burglaries are prevented by burglar alarms, but Government statistics have shown that around 60% of burglaries carried out on homes fitted with burglar alarms are unsuccessful. This suggests that burglar alarms are a useful deterrent for prospective criminals, but before you rush out and buy a brand new security system follow a few of our tips on security devices for your home.
The British Security Industry Association suggests that householders use a professional alarm installation company registered with a police recognised “alarm inspectorate” - so ask to see your security company’s registration documents, and look for the following accreditation:
- NSI (National Security Inspectorate)
- NACOSS (National Approval Council for Security Systems)
- SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board)
Only speak to installers that offer you a free survey and written quotation without obligation, and turn away companies that try to shock you with stories or statistics about burglary. Burglaries are less common than most people think and violent attacks on people in their homes are extremely rare. You should consider reporting any firms that use shock tactics to your local police or trading standards.
There are a few different types of alarm system. The first, and most common, is the traditional “bells only” system. When professionally fitted these cost around £500 to install plus another £65 per year for a maintenance contract
Monitored Alarms
Police will respond to a monitored alarm when an alarm-receiving centre notifies them. However, installed since October 2002 monitored alarms must also use “confirmation” technology to receive a police response. Here, people at the alarm-receiving centre check using either CCTV (to see an intruder), an audio connection (to hear an intruder) or something called “sequential confirmation”. Sequential confirmation sounds a bit complicated, but basically this means detecting an intruder using sensors in a number of different places in or around you home - to spot if someone is moving around.
Before deciding on the type of alarm to install check with your insurance company first. They may offer discounts off your premium depending on the type you have fitted and the kind of installer you use. This could help make your choice a little easier. Get a professional instalation, and ensure they meet B.S EN 50131/ PD6662 standards.
For discussion on this topic please see the Versigo Discussion forum on the link below
Discuss