Helpful Security Tips for the Small Business

Keeping Safe

Small businesses are prone to losses from opportunist burglary and internal theft. The majority of business burglaries occur during the night-time.  Here are some safety tips to protect your businesses.

Use several security methods - don't rely on one solution.

Ensure ALL staff are alert to suspicious behaviour.

Check your security arrangements are in place and working well - you should, however, have your alarm system regularly checked.

As well as ensuring your alarm works, make sure the police have the correct key holder details.

Check your insurance and that you are happy with the amount of cover.

Handle cash with care - do not leave large amounts of money in the premises overnight and vary your routine when you are going to the bank.

If you are closing down for a period, put your email on 'auto response' so that anyone who tries to contact you will get an automatic reply saying your calls are being monitored and dealt with.  Do not say you are closed, it could be just the invitation that thieves are looking for.

Keep boundaries to the premises secure by restricting access from low roofs and other buildings.

Protect high-value equipment/goods - control access to stock rooms or manager's offices or use security tagging of equipment for peace of mind.

Set up partnerships - share information with other businesses and link with community police officers and other crime prevention groups in your area.

Light all exterior points of entry with permanent fixtures that are difficult to reach or tamper with and increase the chances of intruders being noticed.

Install window locks designed and positioned so they cannot be reached and unlocked after breaking the glass.

Install motion detectors to sense movement inside the building.

Install entry protecting alarms to detect the breaking of windows and the opening of doors.

Use a card access system rather than traditional keys — access cards cannot easily be duplicated.

Place security signs and stickers on points of entry to serve as deterrents to robbery.

Install silent alarms to notify police and give them a better chance to catch perpetrators.