FIRMS in North East Lincolnshire, in fact anywhere in Britain, are finding it very tough in today's economic climate.
It is a simple fact that many, many people just do not have any spare cash – in fact they are finding it hard enough to cover the basics they need to have a decent standard of living.
This is undoubtedly having an impact on businesses, which obviously rely on money changing hands to survive, thrive and provide employment.
So those hit by other issues could find themselves deciding enough is enough.
It appears that this is the case at Grimsby firm Tony's Autos.
The business was hit by a raid some months ago now, when thieves plundered the premises.
Between then and now, the owners have decided that they just cannot go on and will be closing.
It would seem that this break-in proved to be the nail in the coffin for this company.
How many others would find themselves in a similar situation if this happened to them?
The impact of theft on anyone can be significant but to actually close a business down is criminal – literally!
Have you been hit by theft, either in your home or at your business and what impact has that had on you or your family?