FRAUD in the South West is big business and it's on the rise.

Figures out this week show cases involving deception have almost doubled in the region over the past 12 months.

In 2002 just 10 cases were heard by the courts. But in 2003 that rose to 19.

It's not all grim reading however. While the number of cases has risen, the value has dropped with £14.3 million worth recorded compared with £27.5 million the previous year.

In November the Advertiser reported how 27-year-old finance clerk Tracey Woodfield, of Cricklade Road, abused her position at Zurich to systematically steal more than £40,000 over a two-year period.

Swindon Crown Crown jailed the young mother, who lives in Crick-lade Road, for six months.

James Glendale, of The Circle, Pinehurst, was convicted of lying on timesheets and defrauding Zurich of £15,000 while working as a contractor for Adecco.He was given 100 hours community service, ordered to repay the money, and placed on probation.

And in September former Allied Dunbar employee Christine Ireland, 37, was given a two-year suspended prison sentence after admitting trying to give herself a £1.5 million bonus.

Jonathan Middup, senior manager of KPMG Forensic a 300-strong European anti-fraud team said the findings of the research were alarming.

He said: "The results show more frauds than ever are being committed with organisations being attacked both internally and externally.

"There are some individuals who will commit fraud if given the chance."

He added many firms are leaving themselves wide open to attack.

"There are many firms which do not have adequate fraud risk strategies, whistle-blowing policies or internal processes to minimise the opportunity.

"The results clearly show that there are many people out there who will attempt to take advantage."

Mr Middup stressed that there is no room for complacency.

He said: "That really is the key message. There are organised criminals who are actively targeting your company.

"Internal controls must be robust to prevent management, employees, customers or suppliers from exploiting weaknesses in systems.

"Fraud can seriously damage not only the financial basis of a business, but also its reputation."

Kevin Shoesmith