Retailer concerns over staff theft are on the rise, according to new research.

The 2013 Volumatic Kount Retail Fraud Survey revealed that the proportion of retailers concerned over staff theft had risen from 18% last year to 27%, although the biggest area of concern remained shoplifting or external theft at 30%,

The authors of the survey believe there may be a reluctance among retailers to admit that employee theft is an issue and that this figure may be under-reported.

The survey also revealed that 45% of retailers surveyed did not use secure cash storage at their till, highlighting a vulnerability in stores that could be exploited.

Author of the report, Retail Knowledge ceo Paul Bessant, urged retailers to review their security procedures and look to be proactive when it comes to loss prevention.

“The survey has highlighted the need for retailers to instil a positive culture of loss prevention and this could prevent the figures rising for another year,” he said. “At a time when the recession and tough economic climate to burden retailers, losses of this magnitude are even more unwelcome.”

Earlier this year, an Association of Convenience Stores crime survey, which compiled submissions from 3,465 outlets, reported that incidents of staff theft rose by 88% in 2012 compared with the previous year.