Yob culture is a growing issue for British business, causing losses of £9.8 billion last year alone, according to new research.

This translates to an average cost of £4,000 for every business in the country, the study for insurer RSA found.

Troublesome behaviour included petty theft, broken windows and doors, graffiti, littering and intimidation or harassment.

Almost one in five businesses were affected by yob culture last year, at an average cost of just over £20,000 for each affected business. Broken doors and windows and petty theft were said to be the most common problems.

More than a third of businesses (37%) say they expect yob culture to increase this year as a result of continuing economic volatility.

Jon Hancock, RSA's commercial managing director, said: "This research shows that Britain's yob culture is having a tangible and negative impact on British businesses up and down the country.

"Whether it's petty theft, broken windows, intimidation and harassment or graffiti, honest businesses of all sizes and types right across the country are footing the bill for what is socially unacceptable behaviour.

"The importance of businesses preparing for the risks they face and having the right level of protection in place should not be underestimated.

"This research shows that UK businesses expect yob culture to cost them more this year, so I would encourage all employers to carefully consider how they can protect themselves in order to safeguard the future welfare of their business."

The research is based on responses from 1,000 UK business managers from selected industries across England, Scotland and Wales. It was conducted in January 2012 in collaboration with One Poll.