Over the past year more than two-thirds of small businesses have been a victim of crime costing them up to £3,000, according to a report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

More than a third (39%) of small firms do not report such crimes. The report, Localism and tackling crimes against business, explains why: nearly half (46%) said they didn't think it would achieve anything, a third (34%) thought the police would not be able to succeed in prosecution and a quarter (25%) said they thought the police just would not be interested.

With small firms having such little confidence in the police and justice system, the FSB is calling for effective action to be taken to improve the response to businesses affected by crime and prevent small businesses from being repeatedly attacked and in some cases forced to close.

"Small businesses are the heart of our local communities, and a crime against a small firm is not just an attack against that business but it affects staff and has repercussions on the wider community,” said Mike Cherry, the Federation’s Policy Chairman. “With two-thirds of businesses still a victim of crime, the government needs to step up and engage with this important sector of the community.

"We cannot watch small businesses being repeatedly victimised and as a result forced to close. Businesses need to be encouraged to report crime as soon as it happens."

Rob Garnham, Chair of the Association of Police Authorities, added: "Crimes against small businesses hit hard. The negative impact on local communities across the country should not be underestimated. Police authorities are committed to working to ensure that small businesses are supported and protected from crime at all times."