MANAMA: The business community yesterday sounded the alarm over mounting attacks by looters and arsonists on banks and financial institutions and also condemned blacklists on social networking sites.

It condemned the criminal campaign targeting banks, financial exchanges and ATMs across Bahrain.

Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) urged the security authorities to take action immediately.

In a statement issued yesterday, it deplored what it called the politicisation of the national economy.

"We can't remain silent as the pillars of our national economy are being targeted," it said, expressing solidarity with all banks which came under attack.

It called on the authorities to enforce the law and deter any attempt to target public and private money.

It cautioned against the repercussions of such criminal acts being perpetrated by parties intent on bleeding the national economy and derailing development in the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad.

It warned that investors may lose trust in banks, thus wreaking havoc on the national economy. The BCCI voiced concerns over the impact of these attacks which may erode customers' confidence in their banks.

It appealed to the Interior Ministry to take legal action before it is too late.

It urged protection for traders against "programmed attacks" targeting shops and business outlets. "The current situation in Bahrain has become untenable and too volatile to support further polarisation and escalation," it said.

"The country will emerge as the only loser in this criminal campaign," it said, adding that the national economy has suffered to date massive losses.

The chamber also condemned blacklists posted on social networking sites, demonising certain traders and urging their businesses to be boycotted.

It urged this destructive campaign to stop, warning that it would fuel sectarianism and sow division between citizens.