Protecting your business premises during Covid-19

These uncertain times may be the toughest most of us will ever go through as business owners. We’ve all had to completely change the way we live and work. Whether that’s moving our livelihood online or closing down our business entirely.

Unfortunately, criminals have changed their behaviour too and that’s worrying news for business owners. Especially those whose premises are closed during lockdown.

With crimes like domestic burglary, pickpocketing and shoplifting all dramatically reduced due to lack of opportunity, reports in the national press suggest that criminals are turning their attention to empty commercial properties.

But, please don’t worry, there are some things you can do to ease your mind and make your business less appealing to criminals. While checking your premises regularly during lockdown is vital (if it’s safe of course) here are a few other simple steps you can do to help:

• Make sure all windows and doors are securely closed and make sure any items that could be used to gain access to upper floors (bins, for instance) are securely stored

• Try to move any items of value to areas where they can’t be seen by opportunists through windows

• Consider leaving your till on view but with the cash draw open and obviously empty

• If you have reduced staff on site or lone workers ensure they remain in contact and are safe

• Keep a list of who has keys to the property and make sure any spares are in a safe place

• Store any sensitive data regarding staff, customers or suppliers, off-site if possible

• Get smart tech that lets you keep an eye on your property while you’re away. You can check out ADT Smart Business here

• Fire safety laws still apply and are still a legal requirement during these times. The National Fire Chiefs Council agree that whether businesses have remained open or have shut down, they should be aware of changes in risk and review their Fire Risk Assessments accordingly, to ensure they remain suitable and sufficient

• Avoid potential insurance and legal complications by reviewing all changes of occupancy & use of workplaces, e.g. if a warehouse is now packing and sending out food parcels, or if office space is being used as storage.

Still here for you

Given the current situation we understand that many business owners will want reassurance that their alarm and fire systems remain monitored and fully functional. The good news is that because ADT’s alarm receiving centre and customer support staff are classed as keyworkers, round-the-clock monitoring remains in place. And because up to 80% of faults can be fixed by our remote engineer team using RESOLVE, we can avoid sending engineers to your property.

Some customers may want to upgrade security at their premises - it’s only natural in the current climate. Unfortunately, our engineers can’t visit client premises unless they’re essential services or critical parts of the infrastructure like banks, hospitals and utilities.

However, there’s one upgrade that’s available without needing anything new installed. ADT customers can take advantage of our Private Security Response service, which sends an accredited security professional to their property when an alarm has a confirmed activation. Once there they can either carry out an external check and call the police if needed.

Private Security Response can be added to existing contracts from just £445 per year. Find out more about the package here. If you’d like to talk to us about this or any other aspect of your business security, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. In the meantime, keep yourself safe and well until we’re back to normal.