How Can A Business Prevent Crime
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- 13-06-2023
Do you want to find out more about: How can a business prevent crime? 24/7 Doors & Shutters Ltd supply and install security shutters and doors for Manchester and the surrounding areas. This article looks at How to protect your business from crime.
Small Business Crime Prevention
Small businesses are often more vulnerable to crime than larger companies due to their limited resources and capacity to invest in advanced security measures.
The impact of crime on a small business can be devastating, including financial losses, damage to reputation, and potential legal issues. This is why implementing effective crime prevention strategies is essential for small business owners to ensure their businesses are protected against criminal activity.
In this article, we will explore the importance of small business crime prevention and its impact on business operations. We will also discuss the types of crimes that small businesses are most susceptible to, and the potential risks and consequences associated with them. Understanding the risks and developing effective strategies to prevent them can help small business owners to safeguard their businesses and maintain long-term success.
How To Protect Your Business From Crime
As a business owner, protecting your assets and preventing criminal activity is essential to ensure the longevity and success of your business. While no business can be completely immune to crime, there are several steps that you can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim. In this article, we will discuss ten ways to protect your business from crime.
Carry out a risk assessment
Before you can protect your business, you need to identify where you are most vulnerable.
Start by carrying out a thorough risk assessment. Identify areas of your business that may be susceptible to crime, including theft, vandalism, and cybercrime.
Assess the potential impact of each type of crime and determine the likelihood of it occurring. This will enable you to develop an effective crime prevention plan.
Secure your premises
Your business premises are one of the most vulnerable areas, and it is essential to take measures to secure them. Start by strengthening doors and fitting window locks to deter burglars. Consider installing security lighting to make your premises less appealing to criminals.
If your access points are particularly vulnerable, install CCTV cameras. Be aware that data protection rules apply when using CCTV. Consider fitting an alarm, which can reduce your insurance premiums. You may also need planning permission from your local council to install shutters or grilles. Internally, you could put up security mirrors to cover any blind spots.
Secure your equipment
Carry out regular property and equipment audits and allocate responsibility for particular items to individual employees. Tag computers and record details of serial numbers.
Consider securing expensive equipment to floors or walls. Also, make sure any bikes and vehicles are kept secure.
Protect your stock
Stock is a valuable asset, and protecting it is essential to the success of your business. Organize your stock and keep on top of paperwork to identify any discrepancies in your stock count early on.
Question excessive amounts of voids, credits, or damage claims. Make time to carry out regular stock takes.
Stop information theft
Sensitive information, including client's financial records and employee details, is a potential target for cybercriminals. To protect this information, use access controls on computers to restrict entry.
Review who has access privileges and change passwords regularly. Ensure your IT systems are adequately protected from external threats by installing firewalls and anti-virus software.
Shred sensitive paper waste
Ensure that all confidential or personal information is disposed of correctly. Don't simply throw it in the bin, as criminals may be able to use the information it carries. Install lockable filing cabinets to store personal or confidential information.
Seek advice
Don't hesitate to speak to the crime prevention officer at your local police station or council. They should be able to provide you with valuable advice on how to protect your business from crime.
You can also find out what types of crimes businesses in your area are most vulnerable to and how you can better protect yourself.
Prevent employee theft
Employee theft can be a significant issue for many businesses. Always verify previous employment history and check references, even for casual or part-time employees. Introduce clear policies about theft and make sure you inform staff.
Exercise due caution when granting access to keys and revealing security codes. All instances of theft should be met with decisive action. Be prepared to fully support prosecution. Keep a close eye on till money and petty cash, as both are particularly vulnerable to employee theft.
Undertake regular checks
Criminals are always looking for new ways to commit crimes, and they will often change their methods to stay ahead of the security measures in place.
Therefore, it is essential to review your security measures regularly to ensure they remain effective.
Protect yourself and your staff
Your staff is your most valuable asset, and their safety and wellbeing are critical. Provide necessary security training, so everyone knows what to do in the event of a serious threat. Teach them to recognize suspicious behaviour by those who enter your premises.
They should also know how to report crime to you. Keep as little cash as possible on-site and routinely empty tills. Take any excess cash to your bank.
Put up signs warning that certain parts of your premises are only accessible to staff members. Train your staff to give up goods or cash rather than get hurt trying to defend it.
Keep burglars out of your business
As a business owner, it's important to take proactive steps to protect your business from crime, including theft and burglary. Burglars often target businesses, which can result in significant financial losses and damage to your reputation. To prevent this from happening, here are some ways to keep burglars out of your business.
First, it's important to maintain a well-kept exterior. This means removing any rubbish or graffiti and identifying areas that may be vulnerable to forced entry. It's also important to ensure that service doors are locked and that you have a monitored alarm system and operational CCTV that covers vulnerable areas. You may also want to consider moving high-value goods away from display windows overnight.
Lighting is another important aspect of business crime prevention. Make sure that there is sufficient lighting around the premises, especially in loading areas, as this can help to deter burglars. Additionally, prune any overgrown bushes or nearby trees, as these can provide cover for anyone trying to hide from view.
Securing Your Doors And Windows
When it comes to securing your doors and windows, it's important to use security-rated products that make them more burglar-resistant. External shutters and attack-resistant laminated glass can also be effective, although they may require planning approval. Anti-ram raider bollards mounted externally can also be used to protect frontages.
Inside the business, try not to keep cash on the premises and always use a bolted-down safe with a time lock and anti-tamper sensors that trigger an alarm. Make sure stockrooms are locked and keep stock out of sight where possible. Smoke-generating devices that activate on unauthorised entry can also create a smokescreen and foil burglary without damaging stock.
Finally, ensure that keys are not left on the premises and that only designated staff have access. In case of emergency, maintain a list of keyholders who can be contacted. By implementing these measures, you can help to protect your business from burglary and other forms of business crime.
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