Following reports that theft cost retailers £400 million last year, new research has revealed the industries most affected by physical crime — with retail ranking highest.
The British Retail Consortium’s latest annual Crime Report shows that violence against retail staff remains alarmingly high, reaching the second-highest level on record. An average of 1,600 incidents per day were recorded last year.
Business finance specialists at money.co.uk business savings analysed Home Office data to identify which sectors face the greatest exposure to physical crime (excluding cybercrime such as hacking or viruses).
Industries That Suffer the Most Physical Crime
| Rank | Industry | Percentage of premises that have been victims of crime* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Retail and wholesale | 41.3% |
| 2 | Primary utilities | 37.2% |
| 3 | Transport, accommodation and food | 27.1% |
| 4 | Construction | 25.0% |
| 5 | Business services | 18.8% |
| 6 | Manufacturing | 14.6% |
| 7 | Information and financial services | 13.6% |
*Excludes e-crime (e.g. hacking and viruses).
Retail and Wholesale
Retail environments are inherently exposed. Open access to the public and high-value stock levels make stores attractive targets for theft. According to the data, more than two in five (41.3%) retail and wholesale premises experience crime annually.
Beyond shoplifting, retail workers are also facing rising levels of customer aggression, with approximately 2,000 such incidents recorded. Industry-wide initiatives continue to focus on improving safety for staff while protecting business operations.
Primary Utilities
The primary utilities sector — covering electricity, natural gas and water suppliers — ranks second, with 37.2% of businesses reporting crime.
One recurring issue is copper theft, particularly from onshore wind farms. Rural locations can leave infrastructure vulnerable, and organised gangs have been known to target scrap metal for resale.
Building a Financial Safety Net
Joe Phelan, business savings expert at money.co.uk, stresses the importance of financial resilience in light of these findings.
He notes that while daily operational pressures often push savings down the agenda, maintaining a contingency fund is essential rather than optional. A financial buffer enables businesses to support staff and maintain operations during incidents such as workplace injuries, absences or crime-related disruptions.
Phelan advises that building a safety net does not need to be complex. Regular contributions to a dedicated savings account can provide both interest earnings and immediate access to funds when required, helping firms protect their people and safeguard business continuity.