How to protect your business from theft after the clocks go back

This year, British Summer Time (BST) changes to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) on Saturday 27th October. While the extra hour is welcome to many, under the cover of darkness, thieves are more likely to strike. And as GMT coincides with the lead up to Christmas, there’s more trade and stock – presenting more opportunities for theft. 

With robberies increasing by a third every time the clocks go back, whether your work premises is a shop or even an office, you need to be aware of how you can protect your business from burglary. Join us as we explore the steps you can take. 

Use CCTV and remote monitoring 

Firstly, you should establish any areas of your premises that may be susceptible to robbery so you can work to secure them. For example, there may be doors or windows that could be easily forced open – any entry points should be constructed from high-quality hardware with shatter-resistant glass and state-of-the-art locks. 

There might also be spots that thieves could access by using items nearby. Store wheelie bins out of sight as a thief could climb on these to enter a building. Similarly, trim any overgrown bushes or trees – these could provide adequate cover for criminals.  

Identify areas of vulnerability

It may seem obvious, but if you’ve not got effective CCTV in place, you’re missing out on a vital aspect of crime prevention. In the situation a theft occurs, 24/7 multi-level surveillance systems with facial recognition and high-quality images will help to identify suspects.  

If you use a remote monitoring company, they can keep a lookout in real-time, as well as provide footage and data. Plus, they can pick up on any suspicious behaviour and react as required – from securing your premises to deploying response teams to intervening via a Tannoy operating system to contacting emergency services. 

Put in place lighting and fencing 

Are your premises particularly high-risk? You need to safeguard them with the most effective measures. It’s best practice to leave some lighting on; this will deter thieves and provide sufficient illumination for CCTV. Motion lights are another great idea – they’ll sense any movement and potential criminals.  

Security fencing will complement your lighting. This can come in many forms, such as sliding gateways and turnstiles. There are also vehicle access control methods like barriers and road blockers, which will avert unidentified and unofficial vehicles from accessing your building.  

Prevent admission to your premises 

Core to security is ensuring no ungranted entry. Electronic door access systems can incorporate a variety of different types of protection against theft, such as electronic locks, biometric access control, key fobs, and access cards. What’s more, they create a log of who comes in and out of the building. 

An alarm system is crucial – this can notify you of any issues. You can also use advanced detection. For example, technology that picks up beams, door and window opening, and wall penetration. Whatever entry system you opt for, make sure it’s regularly served and maintained to minimise the chance of any technical problems.  

Train employees on security

One of the most crucial aspects of your security is employees having the ability to take the right action – they need to have knowledge on the best protocols and practices. Staff should understand how to use alarm systems and recognise possible threats, as well as how to effectively deal with them. 

Whichever methods you choose, every team member it impacts must have had the right training beforehand. This might come in the form of a product manual, or a supplier may provide training on systems.  

Protect your business with SNAP 

Implementing all these approaches may sound extensive but given the increased risk of theft in the colder months, you can never be too careful. If you’re struggling with where to start with security, then SNAP Access & Security can take it off your hands. From truck stops to retail businesses, we can safeguard your premises against burglary. 

Get in touch today by calling our team on 01603 777242 to discover how we can help you. 

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