64% of Irish SMEs were unaffected by crime in the past 12 months, according to new research by ISME.
Of the 36% which did experience crime, 68% were targeted more than once.
Anti-social behaviour, vandalism, burglary and phishing attacks were the most common offences.
For businesses affected, the costs are considerable with 28% reporting increased security costs, 22% facing higher insurance premiums, and 17% having to make expensive physical alterations to their premises.
Despite 73% of victims rating Garda performance as adequate or very effective, 78% of all respondents believe the judicial system fails to deter repeat offenders.
85% of SMEs want more Gardaí, 76% support tougher sentencing, and 73% favour increased CCTV coverage and data-sharing.
“It is encouraging that most SMEs avoided crime over the past year, but the reality for repeat victims is stark,” said Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive of ISME.
“These businesses are paying more for security, more for insurance, and losing valuable time and productivity,” he added.
Three-quarters of businesses surveyed are aware of the Garda National Cybercrime Bureau, yet only 9% have engaged with it.
Meanwhile, 34% of SMEs spend over €5,000 annually on crime prevention, with CCTV and alarms the most widely used measures.
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