The loss caused by theft and robbery can be reduced or avoided if business owners take more precautions.
Here is a list of suggestions you can follow to end the “business” of criminals!
Theft prevention measures
Business owners like you annually spend millions of pounds in hard cash for crime prevention and insurance policies.
If a complete security plan is not maintained to protect your business, you will not receive a full return on your investment. For example, advanced concept door locks are useless if a ladder left outside against the side of the building provides a thief with easy access to a second-floor window or rooftop.
According to experts in security services in Oxford a good security inventory for your business should include these checks:
- Make sure all the locks on the doors and windows are strong and adequate to do what they should do. If you have any questions, consult a trained locksmith, carpenter, or hardware merchant.
- Stay alert while you and your employees open and close the business. Be alert for any suspicious person who is loitering nearby.
- Keep a record of the serial numbers of all business equipment and merchandise.
- Carefully examine your future employees before hiring them. Check their references carefully.
- Keep only a minimum of cash on the premises. Frequently deposit money in a safe or in the bank.
- If you have an alarm system, check it regularly to determine if it is working perfectly.
- Know at all times where all the keys are. Poor key control leaves you vulnerable. If in doubt, change all locks, or the combinations.
- Change the combination of your safe periodically.
- Park company vehicles away from the building, other than for loading and unloading, so that they cannot be used to climb onto the roof of your business premises.
- Make sure your employees have a safe place to leave their possessions (handbags, coats, etc.) during work hours.
- Install adequate light, inside as well as outside. Remember that thieves seek darkness or another way to hide. A well-lit property has much less appeal for a criminal.
Do not underestimate the value of good lighting, good visibility, strong locks, key control, an alarm system that works well and a thorough background check of employees. These points are vital elements in your security plan.
Also, it is recommended to:
- Avoid a routine time, or usual route, when making deposits in the bank. Criminals will soon notice this.
- Avoid discussing business issues with the bank teller. The person behind you can easily hear the details.
- Employ security guards with uniforms; they are a strong deterrent in areas where many crimes occur.
- Never hinder the view of the inside of your store by putting too many things in the stained glass. It is very important to maintain good visibility during work hours.
- Instruct your employees how to behave if a theft occurs.
- Announce your security measures and your policies on money management.
- Not let clients enter after working hours, especially if you are alone.
- Keep the back doors locked.
- Inspect the toilets, changing rooms, etc. before closing the establishment at night.
Take these preventative measures to ensure your business premises remain safe and secure and do not pose an easy target for criminals.
