Borough a hotspot for business crime

OLDHAM has been named as one of the UK’s hotspots for crimes against businesses.

Statistics compiled by insurers AXA over the first half of the year put the borough eighth in a league for overall business crime in the UK. Halifax topped the league with Manchester in second place.

In a breakdown of crimes, Oldham was the sixth worst area for arson against firms and 17th for malicious damage — but was outside the top 20 for theft.

AXA says its Business Crime Index reveals that some areas which have been hit hard by the economic crisis, such as the North, are suffering as people turn to crime.

The company is warning bosses to be prepared for crime over Christmas amid fears that it will increase over the festive season - particularly for retail businesses which will be more attractive to criminals due to increased stock levels and cash on premises.

And drunken revelry can lead to malicious damage or even arson attacks on business premises.

The index looks at the levels of crimes against businesses based on claims received by the company.

The average cost of all claims is around £3,806 with an average forcible theft claim standing at nearly £4,500, while arson claims average £17,200.

Doug Barnett, head of customer risk management, said: “Crime against business is a serious issue and this year we are concerned that the continuing recession could prompt a rise around the Christmas period.

“We would urge all businesses to work with local communities and police to protect themselves as well as taking sensible precautions, not least making sure they are properly insured should the worst happen.

“Business crime can have a devastating impact on a business and its employees.”