82 Per Cent Of Small Business Bottom Lines Suffer Due To Crime

82 Per Cent of Small Business Bottom Lines Suffer Due to Crime

The vast majority (82%) of Australian small businesses have suffered financially at the hands of crime, according to new research by ADT Security, with 43% of owners estimating their losses total up to $10,000.

The most comprehensive research into small business security measures and perceptions in the last decade revealed that the humble lock and key is used as a security device for 85% of respondents ahead of an alarm system (51%), CCTV (29%) and window bars (28%).

Fifty five per cent of respondents reported being burgled, with shoplifting (34%), vandalism (33%), employee theft of merchandise (24%) and employee theft of cash (21%) also rating highly.

Other interesting findings:
* 64% of small businesses have been a victim of crime more than once
* Financial loss is attributed to stolen goods (82%), property damage (50%), business disruption or closure (32%) and loss of customers or orders (12%)
* Employees stealing merchandise is most rampant in NSW and ACT (32%) while burglary is most common in Western Australia (55%)

"As the survey results show, crime can be especially devastating for small businesses," commented ADT Security's Mark Norton. "The potential for the loss of profit and merchandise to overwhelm a business is high, not to mention the threat to the physical safety of customers and employees.

"The retail sector in particular has been hit hard in recent times so now more than ever, security measures to help protect profit are crucial. While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk, business owners can help by implementing a comprehensive security plan, thoroughly training employees in how to operate and respond to the security system, identifying security threats and troubleshooting potential weaknesses," said Norton.

Small business owners also detailed the emotional fallout following crime. Generation Y was the most likely to admit to experiencing anxiety (48% compared to the national average of 39%), stress (67% versus 54%) and an inability to be alone on the premises (23% versus 7%).

ADT Security commissioned Pure Profile to conduct this survey of 500 small business owners during June to July 2010. Small business was defined as a business with less than 20 employees.

For more information call 131 238 or visit www.adtsecurity.com.au

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SOURCE: ADT Security