Britain's bosses are urging David Blunkett to crack down on a "hidden" tide of crime sweeping over UK companies.

Speaking to the British Chambers of Commerce on Tuesday, the home secretary said the "government has to take the lead on fighting crime" but called on bosses to do more.

"Commercial activity generates both profits for business and opportunities for crime. It is vital that business punches its full weight in terms of protecting its customers, staff and the wider community from becoming the victims of crime."

Forum Response: British Retail Consortium

Bill Moyes, director general of the British Retail Consortium, told ePolitix.com: "The retail industry is working on several fronts to address issues impacting directly and indirectly, on crime. Whilst the Home Office is looking to address business crime from a holistic perspective, instead of retail-specific, the BRC is concerned that immediate action is needed to secure the future of the 250 retail crime partnerships that operate in towns and cities throughout the country. Many of which have attained the BRC's Safer Shopping Award.

"The chancellor announced last Wednesday that £280 million was being allocated to fight street crime. Retailers spend an estimated £750 million on crime prevention. The papers are reporting daily that street crime, particularly by young people. is on the increase. In June the BRC will be publishing its annual retail crime survey for 2001 and it is likely to show another rise in reported crime such as shop theft, violence to staff, vandalism, burglary and fraud.

"We have offered a solution to the Home Office that would involve the BRC managing and co-ordinating retail crime prevention initiatives nationwide, but the response has been disappointing. Our retail crime partnerships create safer streets so that we can enjoy safer shopping in safer communities, but a partnership requires equal input from business and government. We are still waiting for the government to play it's part."