The lobby group's research shows that crimes against businesses cost £19 billion annually - and it says firms believe that such crimes are not given the same priority as other offences.

The FSB claims that regeneration projects in town centres are also hit by crime against retailers, because areas become further run-down when shops are forced to close.

A spokesman said:

"One in three small shops has been the victim of intimidation or threatening behaviour in the past year. We often hear of shopkeepers being assaulted or even murdered in their stores."