Crime increasingly a ‘serious barrier’ to UK growth, say business leaders

British Chambers of Commerce survey shows firms are dealing with rising levels of theft, fraud and cyber-attacks'

UK business leaders have warned that crime is becoming an increasingly serious barrier" to growing Britain's economy amid a rise in shoplifting, fraud and cyber-attacks against companies.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), which represents tens of thousands of businesses across the country, called on the government to provide a step change in the support businesses can count on" as it said two-fifths of companies had experienced some form of crime in the past year.