Burglary Prevention Tips for Small Businesses

Running a small business comes with many challenges, one of which is protecting your premises and assets from burglary. Burglaries can result in lost inventory, damaged property, and lost revenue from having to close while repairs are made. Sadly, around 8% of businesses in England and Wales were targeted in 2022. Fortunately, there are several effective measures small business owners can take to deter burglars and prevent break-ins.

Secure Doors and Windows

One of the most basic burglary prevention measures is to ensure your facility’s external doors and windows are properly secured. All exterior doors should have sturdy, well-installed locks. Deadbolt locks provide better security than standard doorknobs with locks. Make sure doors are solid wood or metal, avoiding hollow core doors that can be easily kicked in. Windows should have working locks and be closed and locked at the end of each workday. Barring windows, security screens, and security film help deter smash and grab burglaries. Consider investing in roller shutters from Pressford Shutters and Shop Fronts Ltd.

Install a Robust Alarm System

Having a monitored alarm system is one of the most effective burglary deterrents. The loud sound of an alarm going off will likely send burglars running before they can steal anything. Burglar alarms detect break-ins and alert police to attempted burglaries. Alarm systems come in various forms, from simple self-contained noisemakers to sophisticated systems monitored by professional security companies. Look for systems that offer multiple points of detection with door/window sensors, motion detectors, video monitoring and a panic button in case you need to trigger the alarm manually.

Improve Exterior Lighting

Good exterior lighting makes it harder for burglars to approach unseen and tamper with doors and windows. Install powerful lights above back and side doors and corner lighting to eliminate blind spots. Motion detector lights will automatically illuminate when someone approaches at night. Leave some interior and exterior lights on overnight so your business does not appear deserted.

Secure Your Inventory

Burglars often target accessible inventory they can easily carry away and sell. Keep high value, highly portable items such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones locked away in a safe or cabinet when not in use. Engraving or marking inventory makes stolen items harder to sell and easier to recover. Keep meticulous records of inventory, serial numbers and descriptions to aid police in recovering stolen goods. Avoid leaving tempting inventory visible through windows after hours.

Restrict Access

Limiting who has access to your premises also limits opportunities for burglaries. Have a strict key control policy, limiting keys to essential employees and changing locks and restricting keys when employees leave. Keep doors locked at all times, even when on the premises. Prevent access to roofs and fire escapes. Trim shrubbery and trees to eliminate hiding places. Install bollards and barriers to prevent vehicles from ramming into your building.

Following these burglary prevention best practices tailored for small businesses can help keep your location and assets safe. Consult with security professionals to conduct a risk assessment and implement appropriate security measures for your specific business. Protecting your livelihood from theft should be a priority for every small business owner.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely the author’s opinion and not investment advice – it is provided for educational purposes only. By using this, you agree that the information does not constitute any investment or financial instructions. Do conduct your own research and reach out to financial advisors before making any investment decisions.