Violent crime makes more headlines, but property crime is much more common. According to the FBI, there were 6,925,677 property crime offenses in the US in 2019.
While some of these incidents occurred in private homes, commercial properties are another prime target for criminals. This can occur as commercial property theft or burglary, or it can come as commercial property damage from looting or vandalism.
What can you do to protect your business from property crime? Here are five tips every business owner should know.
1. Create a Custom Plan
If you own a large art gallery, you’ll have a different set of security concerns than the auto dealership next door. The same goes for banks, restaurants, or retail shops.
The point is: You need to conduct a risk assessment and create a plan that works for your business. It’s not enough to install a few security cameras and hope for the best. You need to identify all potential weak spots on your commercial property and create a plan of attack for each one.
2. Use Lighting (Everywhere)
According to experts, you’ve got about a 50/50 chance of being robbed during daylight hours or after the sun goes down. Your best bet for deterring commercial property burglary is to light up every inch of your business.
Every dark corner, narrow hallway, blind spot, and side entrance needs proper lighting. Consider installing motion-activated lights near every entrance and also throughout the parking lot. Keep all storage facilities and inventory rooms brightly lit to deter theft.
3. Install Security Cameras
If you don’t have 24/7 video surveillance on your commercial property, you’re already behind the curve. You should actively monitor every inch of your property, inside and out — no matter how large or sprawling the area.
For example, theft from construction sites costs employers a staggering $1 billion annually. And one in five construction sites reports theft or vandalism every week. Remote video monitoring is the best way to deter theft (or catch someone in the act).
4. Consider Human Security
Depending on the nature of your business, it might be wise to hire armed or unarmed security guides through a provider like Twin City Security. These security experts can do everything from passive surveillance to greeting and escorting customers through your property.
5. Thoroughly Vet Employees
We want to believe we can trust the people we hire, but statistics often state otherwise. While you’re busy protecting your property from unknown burglars, your employees could be stealing from right under your nose.
In the cannabis industry, for example, 90% of financial and product loss comes from inside jobs. Take the time to fully vet all your employees, including criminal background checks.
Avoid Property Crime & Protect Your Business
Commercial property crime is on the rise, so don’t make the mistake of thinking it can’t happen to you! Use the business security tips above to keep your property and your employees safe.
We’ve talked about commercial property burglary and damage, so what comes next? Our site has more information to help with all your business endeavors, so stay right here and continue browsing.
