BOSSES in the South West are being warned to be more vigilant after research shows fraud in the workplace is on the rise.

Cases involving fraud have doubled in the region in the first half of this year, research by KPMG Forensic showed.

The firm, which has a European fraud team of 300 people, found a total of 11 cases were recorded within the six-month period to June 30 compared with 10 for the whole of last year.

Although the amount of money being stolen has dropped, more companies than ever are falling victim.

Paul Tomble-son, director at KPMG said: "The fact that the amounts appear to be smaller does not lesson the impact on the companys.

"In difficult economic times, the pressure on individuals to commit fraud is increased.

"This pressure can come from many sources ranging from trying to meet unrealistic profit targets to an ability to pay credit card bills or the mortgage."

Mr Tombleson advised businesses to get clued up or risk being conned.

Detective Inspector Paul Ginger of Wiltshire's Fraud Squad, said the majority of fraud cases are committed from people within a group.

He said: "I would advise bosses to know who they are dealing with in terms of payments of invoices and placement of orders."

What to do first

KPMG advises the following:

Look at the quality of your organisation's anti-fraud strategy?

Consider how effective your fraud awareness programme is?

How developed is the understanding of fraud risks?

In the dock . . .

FRAUD cases heard at Swindon Crown Court this year:

Company director John Lillie of Westlecot Road, who fled to Spain, was jailed for 21 months in February, after his involvement in a £2 million tax fraud.

Bookkeeper Margaret Lesley Cross, who stole £164,000 from her boss, was jailed for two years in June.