MORE than 60% of business leaders in the Dyfed-Powys Police force area say they have been victims of crime more than twice.

The area’s police and crime commissioner Christopher Salmon surveyed 800 business leaders across the area and 15% said they had been a victim of crime in the past 12 months.

The percentage who said they had been victims of crime on two or more occasions was 64%.

In the five months up to August last year 966 crimes were recorded with a Dyfed-Powys business address as the victim.

More than 70% of those surveyed said the police give a satisfactory service and do a good job dealing with business crime.

However, less than 30% were aware of Action Fraud, the UK’s central point of contact for information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime.

Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon said: "I’m delighted that bosses think the police tackle business crime in Dyfed-Powys.

"My priority is to keep business and the public safe. I listen to them when I want to know how police are getting on. There’s more to do but this is a great start."

Robert Lloyd-Griffiths, Wales regional director of the Institute of Directors, said: "Business leaders who I speak to are unwavering in their support of the police and are appreciative of the difficult job they have to do.

"Crime in general - and business crime in particular - is naturally of particular concern to the business community and anything business leaders can do collectively or individually to combat this is welcomed.

"We support the commissioner’s initiative and look forward to working with the police to ensure continued success."

In England and Wales in 2014, more than 4.1 million crimes affected the wholesale and retail sector alone.

Other findings showed 90% of respondents said general crime and business crime are not perceived as being a big problem and 77% said the police take crimes that affect businesses seriously.

Dyfed-Powys has more than 25,700 enterprises but detailed crime statistics for them do not exist.

The commissioner’s survey was carried out by Swansea-based research company ORS in January and February.

Mr Salmon said: "I want to cut the number of offences which hinder enterprise. Business crime is an untold story here; its cost is unknown so I thank business people for being forthcoming.

"The survey has produced much data. I will study this carefully before making recommendations."