07/06/2015
Unfortunately, small businesses provide thieves with the opportunity to steal large amounts of both cash and goods, and are more likely to be targeted than residential properties.
Luckily, small business owners have access to a number of measures that can be taken to protect their businesses and lower the risk of a crime occurring.
These measures include:
- Installing a suitable alarm system with clear labelling and visible exterior boxes; this can often be enough to deter potential thieves. Alarms should be loud enough to attract attention from people in surrounding properties; a loud alarm can also frighten intruders and result in them leaving the property empty handed. In addition, security lighting also increases the chance of intruders being spotted by passers-by.
- Training staff in the use of security devices and encouraging them to be vigilant; reporting suspicious behaviour in an effort to prevent crimes prior to them happening. When closing the property for the night, staff should make sure that exits are locked and cannot be easily opened from the inside.
- Keeping the property tidy when unoccupied; keeping the contents of the property hidden and removing expensive items from window displays. Cash should be banked daily, and not left on site.
- Installing CCTV cameras; again these can act as a deterrent to the would-be burglar, and additionally, if a crime does take place, can provide important footage in subsequent police investigations.
- Securing your business premises with roller shutters. Vulnerable areas such as front windows and main entrances can be given an extra level of protection by installing security shutters. The shutters form an almost impenetrable barrier and, in common with alarm systems, act as a highly effective deterrent.
- Fitting high quality doors and windows, steel reinforced if necessary, and with additional locks and anti-thrust bolts. Adding bars to windows that are not used to display goods.
