Tweet

Your Premises

 

Most burglaries are unplanned, so deterrents go a long way in avoiding becoming a victim of crime. Ensure doors are strengthened and have up-to-date, good quality locks. Fitting window locks is also worthwhile. Security lights and CCTV are excellent deterrents for vulnerable access points, but we be aware of data protection rules.

 

Alarms are a popular method of deterring crime. Their installation can also reduce your insurance premiums. Warn off would-be thieves with appropriate signage. It may be enough to encourage them to walk away.

 

If practical, shutters or grilles should be installed. In some cases, planning permission may be needed, so check with your local council.

 

It all sounds expensive, but did you know that according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) the cost of crime against its members has soared to an average £13,500 per  firm?

 

Securing Equipment

 

Office equipment can be very expensive, and the data held within it is often valued even higher. Consider securing the more expensive equipment to floors or walls, and be sure to log serial numbers. All sorts of alarms and locks are available for PCs and other IT equipment.

Some offices have a huge amount of equipment that cannot be simply memorised. Therefore, carry out regular property, equipment  and stock audits, allocating responsibility for particular items to individual employees.

 

Employee Theft

 

When hiring, it's important to verify previous employment history and check references. Key and security code holders should be trusted individuals working within the organisation

 

If the worst happens, all instances of theft should be met with decisive action. Be prepared to fully support prosecution. Keep a close eye on till money and petty cash, as both are particularly vulnerable to employee theft.

 

Information Theft

 

The theft or loss of sensitive information, such as client records could spell disaster. Ensure access is only granted to employees when necessary. Reviewing privilege and changing passwords regularly provides the best guard against theft internally and externally.

 

Computer hacking is now a serious issue. It's important that your internet connection is properly secured using the latest hardware and software.

 

The information security standard ISO 27001 applies to organisations who wish to assess their information security risks and implement ways of addressing them. Its implementation can also help you win public tenders, where information security is essential.

 

Intellectual Property

 

Ensure you protect your own business intellectual property and ensure that you don't infringe the law. An Intellectual Property Office IP Crime Group survey showed that many businesses are not doing anything to ensure they protect their intellectual property.  For example, 40% of businesses surveyed took no practical action such as trade mark registration. You can do this online on the Intellectual Property Office website.

When it came to other companies'  intellectual property, the survey was just as revealing. A third of businesses surveyed were not aware whether goods sold on their premises by external traders were legitimate or not. Out of those who knew that employees were selling DVDs at work, nearly a fifth knew that these were counterfeit and still allowed such illegal activity to take place, believing it was not their responsibility. Similarly, over a quarter of respondents do not make staff aware that they must not download illegal content at work.

 

Shred Files

 

Don't simply throw away old files, ensure they are shredded. For files that need to be kept, install lockable filing cabinets and safes to store them.

 

The details of when it's appropriate to enforce the above can be documented in a Security Policy. It's important to allocate responsibility and ensure the whole workforce is aware of the policy.

 

Protecting the Workforce

 

Ensure necessary security training is available to you and your colleagues so they are prepared in the event of a serious threat. Particularly when dealing face to face with customers, it's important for everyone to know that it is better to give up goods or cash than get hurt trying to defend it.

 

Train your people to recognise suspicious behaviour by those who enter your premises. Keep as little cash as possible on site and routinely empty tills. Take any excess cash to your bank. Put up signs warning that certain parts of your premises are only accessible to staff members. Your people should also know how to report crime to you.

 

Reporting Crime

 

Despite your best efforts, sometimes crime can still occur.  According to the FSB, more than two thirds of businesses are victims of crime, but many cases of vandalism, vehicle damage, threatening behaviour, graffiti and even shoplifting and burglary may go unreported. Only 45% of those who said they had been victims of crime had reported it to the authorities.

 

It goes without saying that is imperative to call your local police in the event of a crime. if you wish to report fraud, you can contact Action Fraud.

 

For more information on avoiding crime, see the Home Office guide below.

 

---