Running a business comes with many responsibilities and challenges. One key area that all business owners need to consider is security – protecting your premises, stock, equipment and data from thieves, vandals and other criminals.
If your business suffers a break-in, theft or vandalism, the impacts can be significant. You may face costs from damage, cleanup and replacing stolen goods. There is also the disruption to your operations and potentially losing customer trust if you cannot trade normally.
Thankfully, there are many precautions you can take to minimise the risks. Here is a guide to key ways to protect your business from burglars and vandals in the UK.
Table of Contents
Deter Unwanted Visitors with Strong Locks, Lighting and Alarms
The first line of defence is making your premises an unattractive target that puts off would-be burglars and vandals.
Fit strong locks – Upgrade to high-quality locks on all external doors and windows, meeting British Standard BS3621. Install impact-resistant doors and laminated glass in vulnerable locations.
Improve exterior lighting – Security lighting and bright spoltlights remove dark corners and deter criminals. Motion-activated lighting by entry points startles intruders.
Install a verified burglar alarm – A monitored system with sensors on doors/windows will detect and alert intrusions. CCTV cameras also provide monitoring and evidence. Professional installation is essential. Cutting-edge alarm systems protect your business and could slash your business insurance costs.
Display security signage – Signs warning of CCTV and alarms act as a visible deterrent. Also, advertise your security measures to customers to reassure them.
Secure Access Points Including Roof Entrances
As well as doors and windows, don’t overlook other weak spots a burglar could exploit – skylights, air vents or loose panels in the premises exterior. Fix bars, grilles or wires to prevent roof access. Keep dustbins and ladders out of sight too.
Outbuildings and vehicles also need securing with locks and potentially immobilisers or trackers if very valuable items are stored in them.
Improve Security In Your Premises Interior
As well as fortifying the property exterior, interior security steps prevent an opportunistic intruder from easily removing stock or equipment.
- Fit intruder alarms – These create a loud alert to frighten off burglars. Panic buttons allow staff to secretly trigger the alarm if threatened. Install freeze or smoke alarms to detect attacks on safes.
- Secure display stock – Lock valuable or easily portable goods in cabinets, or fix them in place with cables. Forensically mark desirable goods to deter theft.
- Protect takings – Use time-delay safes for holding cash overnight. Avoid leaving tills or cash boxes unlocked. Vary banking routines and transport to reduce robbery risk.
- Install robust internal doors – Solid internal doors prevent access to other areas of the premises if the exterior is breached.
Assess Vulnerabilities and Risks
The security threats facing a large industrial warehouse will clearly differ to a retail store or small office. Analyse your premises, assets and working practices to identify weak spots a criminal could exploit. A professional security firm can provide formal risk assessments.
Key areas to consider are isolated locations, cash handling, valuable stock, lone working staff and access by third parties e.g. cleaners or contractors.
Develop a Security Plan
Use your risk assessment to create a coherent security plan tailored to your premises, assets and activities.
This should cover:
- Staff security roles and training
- Physical security measures
- Cash handling and asset protection processes
- Staff lone working procedures
- Responding to security breaches e.g. break-ins and thefts
- Testing and updating the security plan periodically
A documented plan ensures consistent, effective security policies. Appoint a senior manager responsible for security.
Train and Support Your Staff
Your staff team are vital to good security, as they control access, handle stock and cash, and might encounter burglars or vandals. Invest time in training them well.
Educate staff on security basics – locking up procedures, use of panic buttons/alarms and protocols for staying safe and reporting incidents. Ensure contractors/temporary staff understand security too.
Empower staff to query unauthorised visitors politely or report suspicious sightings. Provide visible employee ID and workwear to distinguish from intruders when onsite.
Make sure staff facilities like bathrooms and breakrooms are secure from public access. Check that your policies consider lone working staff safety too.
Monitor Premises and Assets
Tracking valuable assets and monitoring premises activity helps secure goods and data, as well as deterring and evidencing theft.
Install CCTV systems – High resolution images capture identifiable evidence for investigating incidents and burglary prosecution. Position cameras covering vulnerable spots.
Implement stock control and register high value items – Detailed records make theft or loss easier to identify. Forensically mark goods to make them traceable.
Check vehicles/devices accessing systems – Monitor IP addresses connecting to networks to trace data breaches. Limit account permissions and Wi-Fi access to protect systems.
Periodically audit stock and assets – Spot inconsistencies that could indicate petty employee theft alongside major incidents.
Respond Rapidly to Security Threats
If you are ever faced with a break-in, vandal attack or similar crime, prompt action is essential for safety, securing property and contacting authorities.
Ensure all staff understand emergency response procedures – Have step-by-step instructions for threats like an ongoing burglary, serious vandal attack or robbery/assault incident. Communicate plans clearly.
Report any crimes immediately – Call 999 for crimes in progress or threat to safety. For other incidents contact 101 to report to the police. Gather evidence like CCTV footage.
Secure your property after attacks – Board up any damage securely after a break-in or vandal attack to protect your premises. Increase staff/security patrols to prevent repeat attacks.
Check insurance policies – Most business policies include damage and theft cover. Begin a claim as soon as possible (typically within 7 days). Keep evidence like receipts to support claims process.
Review security after incidents – Break-ins or weaknesses highlighted by attempted attacks should trigger an immediate security review. Upgrade physical deterrents and procedures that failed to prevent access or losses.
Implement Ongoing Improvements
Don’t become complacent once security measures are in place.
- Test that the systems are functioning
- Refresh staff training regularly
- Get repeat risk assessments done
- Learn from other businesses
- Ensure security evolves along with your business
Dedicate time to regular security reviews and update procedures, deterrents and response plans accordingly. Robust protection measures require consistent, proactive management but are an invaluable investment for UK firms.
