Many small retailers are failing to properly protect their businesses, despite the fact that break ins and burglaries have cost independent stores £30 million in the past three years, according to new research.

The research, conducted by insurance firm Eagle Star, found that one in seven small stores have been broken into at least once since 2000, while an unlucky 11 per cent had been targeted three times or more in this period.

Crime is causing a big dent in many firms’ profits, with one in six burglary victims losing over £3,000 due to lost stock, equipment or fall in sales.

However, despite the widespread problem of crime committed against stores, Eagle Star said that many small retailers are struggling to put preventative measures in place to stop themselves becoming victims.

Nearly one in five of those surveyed admitted that their security arrangements weren’t up to scratch, while one in seven said that they had not improved things, even after being broken into.

Half of those questioned said they did not use CCTV, while 49 per cent had not installed security lighting.

One in ten of those quizzed did not have mortice deadlocks – a security feature which Eagle Star said was a “key requirement” for most insurance policies.

Of those who said they lacked proper security for their stores, nearly a quarter said they didn’t have the time to improve things, while 17 per cent admitted that they were happy to risk another break in.

As reported by Startups.co.uk, crime has become a serious problem for small firms, with theft, vandalism and other offences costing businesses an estimated £1.7 billion a year.

The government has claimed that it is attempting to tackle the problem, and announced in August that it will appoint a team of regional advisors across England and Wales to crack down on persistent offenders.

Steve Wilson, managing director of Eagle Star Small Business Direct, said that when you are busy running a small business, making sure that you have the right locks is often low on your list of priorities.

“But our research suggests that it really is worth putting a couple of hours aside to try and make sure that you have adequate security measures in place.

“Anything that can save you money in the long term has to be a worthwhile investment,” he said.

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