Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of Irish SMEs have been unaffected by crime in the past 12 months, ISME has found following recent public debate about rising crime rates.

Of the 36 per cent of businesses that did experience crime, 68 per cent were targeted more than once, and the most common offences were anti-social behaviour (21 per cent), vandalism (19 per cent), burglary (17 per cent) and phishing attacks (15 per cent).

For businesses affected, the costs are considerable. More than a quarter (28 per cent) reported increased security costs, 22 per cent faced higher insurance premiums, and 17 per cent had to make expensive physical alterations to premises.

Despite 73 per cent of victims rating Garda performance as adequate or very effective, 78 per cent of all respondents believe the judicial system fails to deter repeat offenders, 85 per cent want more gardai, 76 per cent support tougher sentencing, and 73 per cent 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. These businesses are paying more for security, more for insurance, and losing valuable time and productivity," said Neil McDonnell, chief executive of ISME.

"SMEs are sending a clear message, they want more Gardaí on the streets, tougher sentencing, and smarter use of technology like CCTV. If repeat offenders are allowed to operate without consequence, the burden will keep falling on the businesses that can least afford it.”

Three-quarters of businesses are aware of the Garda National Cybercrime Bureau, yet only nine per cent have engaged with it. Meanwhile, 34 per cent of SMEs spend over €5,000 annually on crime prevention, with CCTV and alarms the most widely used measures.

(Pic: Getty Images)