Protect Your Business

Simple Ways to Protect Your Business from Petty Crime

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Petty crimes like shoplifting, minor burglaries, vandalism, and graffiti can be an ongoing nuisance for businesses. While they may seem small in isolation, these types of crimes can significantly hurt your bottom line over time if measures aren’t taken to prevent them. Fortunately, there are simple, low-cost ways you can reduce the risk of petty crime at your business premises.

Install a Burglar Alarm

Burglar alarms are an effective deterrent against break-ins. A professionally installed burglar alarm system for your business will deter most petty criminals. Sensors on doors, windows, ceilings, and movement detectors activate the alarm if security is breached. Audible alarms also deter burglars. Systems come wired or wireless for easy installation. Regular maintenance ensures reliability. 

Alarms provide 24/7 monitoring and rapid response when connected to a monitoring service. Various packages cater to homes or businesses. With crime on the rise, burglar alarms bring peace of mind and protection of property against theft.

Invest in Video Surveillance

Installing video cameras both inside and outside your premises is one of the most effective deterrents against petty crimes. High-quality cameras provide you with video evidence if any crimes do occur on your property. Ensure cameras cover any blind spots around your building’s exterior as well as high-risk areas inside like the cash register or storeroom. Post clear signage stating that the premises are protected by CCTV cameras – this alone can discourage potential petty criminals.

Improve External Lighting

Good lighting around the exterior of your business premises removes opportunities for criminals to lurk in the shadows. Replace any bulbs that have blown and consider installing motion-sensor security lights. The sudden illumination when sensors are triggered can startle would-be trespassers and criminals. For particularly vulnerable areas like side and back entrances, you may want to install bright spotlights.

Secure All Access Points

Take time to examine all potential access points of your property. Make sure windows and doors are fitted with high-quality locks. Restrict access to rooftops with locked ladders or fences. Consider anti-climb paint on drainpipes to prevent access from rooftops. Check that the perimeter fencing is continuous and in good repair. Eliminating easy access points significantly reduces opportunities for petty crime.

Train Staff on Security Procedures 

Educate your staff on best practices for crime prevention and what to do in the event of an incident. Encourage vigilance – ask staff to greet customers to make shoplifters feel too conspicuous. Train cashiers to regularly empty the till to avoid large cash build-ups. Ensure closing staff follow procedures like perimeter checks, proper locking-up, alarm activation etc. Make sure all employees can reliably operate security systems. Knowing staff are trained provides a further deterrence factor for would-be petty criminals. 

Work Closely with the Local Police

Maintaining close liaison with your local police force helps you tap into their crime prevention expertise while enabling them to effectively target resources. Register for schemes like Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) that facilitate intelligence sharing between police and businesses in crime hotspots. Report all incidents, no matter how minor, to reinforce the message that crime will not be tolerated. Consider giving the police access to your CCTV footage to assist with investigations in your area.

With some prudent, low-cost investments and vigilant practices, businesses can dramatically reduce their exposure to petty crimes. This small ongoing effort pays dividends by avoiding the continual costs of repairs, replacements and lost custom that petty criminals impose. Protecting your business does not need to be complicated or expensive. By taking the above simple prevention measures, you can make your premises an unattractive target and safeguard your livelihood.

Also Read: 5 Ways To Protect Your Business From Cyber Attacks

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