4 minute read
Theft can create serious problems for almost any business. Beyond the immediate cost of stolen stock, equipment, or cash, a break-in can interrupt operations, damage the premises, and leave employees feeling less secure at work.
No security measure can guarantee that theft will never happen, but businesses can make themselves considerably less attractive to potential thieves. This article outlines that a combination of physical security, sensible procedures, and employee awareness can help reduce opportunities for both break-ins and internal theft.
Identify the Weak Points Around Your Property
Start by looking at the premises from the perspective of someone trying to gain unauthorized access. Doors and windows are obvious places to inspect, but loading areas, rear entrances, storage rooms, and poorly lit sections of the property can also create vulnerabilities.
Check whether locks are suitable and functioning correctly. Even doors that are rarely used should receive the same attention as the main entrance, particularly if they are hidden from public view.
It is also worth periodically reviewing how the business would cope financially if theft did occur. Depending on the policy and circumstances, commercial property insurance can help protect business-owned property against certain covered losses. Security measures and appropriate insurance can therefore form different parts of a broader risk-management strategy.
Improve Lighting Inside and Outside
Thieves generally benefit from being difficult to see. Good lighting can remove some of that advantage while making employees and customers feel more comfortable around the premises.
Pay particular attention to entrances, parking areas, alleys, and loading zones. Motion-activated lighting can be useful in areas that do not need to remain continuously illuminated. Inside, leaving strategically positioned lighting on after closing can make it easier to see suspicious activity from outside without unnecessarily illuminating the entire building.
Consider Cameras and Alarm Systems
Visible security cameras can act as a deterrent while also providing useful information if an incident occurs. Position cameras around entrances, exits, and other important areas, taking applicable privacy requirements into account.
An alarm system adds another layer of protection. Depending on the setup, alarms may detect unauthorized entry and alert designated individuals or a monitoring service. Technology should not replace basic physical security, however. An expensive camera system will do little to prevent someone from entering through a door with a weak lock.
Keep Valuable Items Out of Sight
Businesses can unintentionally advertise what is worth stealing. Expensive equipment, electronics, tools, or high-value stock that can easily be seen through a window may attract unwanted attention. Where practical, move valuable items away from windows after closing. Smaller high-value products can be stored in secure cabinets, stockrooms, or safes.
Cash deserves particular attention. Keep as little cash as reasonably possible on the premises and establish procedures for moving money securely. Avoid routines that make it obvious when or where significant amounts of cash are handled.
Train Employees to Notice Unusual Activity
Employees can play an important part in business security. Provide straightforward guidance about locking procedures, visitors, deliveries, and what to do if they notice suspicious behavior.
Staff should know who is permitted in restricted areas and how to challenge or report unauthorized access safely. They should never be expected to physically confront a suspected thief.
Closing procedures can also help prevent simple mistakes. A checklist covering doors, windows, alarms, cash, and valuable equipment can reduce the chance that something is accidentally left unsecured overnight.
Protect Against Internal Theft
Not every theft comes from someone breaking into the building. Businesses should also establish reasonable controls designed to reduce opportunities for internal theft. Depending on the business, this might include inventory tracking, approval requirements for refunds, separation of financial responsibilities, and regular reviews of stock discrepancies.
These procedures should be proportionate rather than creating an atmosphere in which every employee feels distrusted. Clear, consistently applied systems can protect both the company and its staff.
