Rapid growth in ecrime

A new study has found that e-crime is the biggest emerging threat to the retail sector

in the UK as a rapid growth in online shopping leads to a proliferation in new types of crime.

The British Retail Consortium's first e-crime study published this week estimates that e-crime cost retailers a total of £205.4 million in 2011-12. This includes £77.3 million in losses from frauds as well as costs relating to prevention measures and lost business following their introduction.

British Retail Consortium Director General Stephen Robertson, said: "The rapid growth of e-commerce in the UK shows it offers great benefits for customers but also new opportunities for criminals.

"Online retailing has the potential for huge future commercial expansion but Government and police need to take e-crime more seriously if the sector is to maximise its contribution to national economic growth.

"Retailers are investing significantly to protect customers and reduce the costs of e-crime but law makers and enforcers need to show a similarly strong commitment.

"This first comprehensive survey assessing the make-up and scale of e-crime shows where efforts need to be directed.

"Law enforcement and the Government need to work with us to develop a consistent, centralised method for reporting and investigating e-crime and resources must be directed to e-crime in line with the emerging threat. This will encourage retailers to report more offences and allow the police to better identify and combat new threats."