General · 18 May 2026
UK Firms Say Crime Is Hurting Growth
Illustration: AI-generated for editorial context. Not photographic evidence.
Rising theft, fraud and cyber attacks are making it harder for companies to invest and expand. Business groups warned that crime had become a major obstacle for firms after a survey found 42% of more than 1,400 businesses faced offences during the past year. Shoplifting cases passed 530,000 by March 2025, while a British Chambers of Commerce survey indicated cyber attacks affected 21% of companies.
Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs