Get Safe Online, a UK Internet security awareness campaign has released some interesting numbers about the public's fear of Internet crime that all Web owners - but especially e-commerce sites - should be aware of.

According to the study, 21% of Internet users feel more vulnerable to e-crime than any other type of criminal activity, second to only bank card fraud at 27%. Internet crime eclipses burglary, mugging and car theft as top criminal concerns.

This is important to keep in mind for you e-tailers, especially as the holidays draw near. More and more people are shopping online than ever before and ensuring your customers that you have a secure site and that they won't be ripped off is a big consideration. If your site security is compromised, all it takes is one customer to start spreading the bad news and costing you money.