Small firms have lost more than £110m over the past three years through theft of money and goods by their own staff, revealed a survey by insurance company Eagle Star Small Business Direct.
The survey of 500 business owners found that just over half had been victims of internal theft, often at a cost of more than £3,000.
It revealed that a third of firms which had previously had goods stolen now monitor their staff.
Eagle Star Small Business Direct managing director Steve Wilson said: "An opportunistic employee may be tempted by stock, equipment or even company funds."
He said it was worth putting measures in place to prevent staff theft happening.
