Let’s face it, no one ever plans on getting robbed. Yet sometimes there is nothing we can do to prevent this awful occurrence. Statistics show that burglary and theft is up significantly since 2020. Unfortunately, for small business owners, this means taking a serious hit. While larger companies may be able to afford a few shoplifters here and there, it can be much more serious for small business owners. However, there are some actions we can take to reduce the chances of theft occurring in our place of business.
Here are some of the most straightforward ways to keep your business safe from burglars and thieves.
Install an Alarm
The first step is putting an alarm system in place. Alarms should be placed around all glass windows, doors, and security cameras should be placed throughout. The great news is that alarm systems are much more affordable than they were a few years ago.
Keeping your business safe with an alarm system doesn’t have to break the bank in today’s competitive market. The right alarm system will be totally customizable and have remote viewing capabilities from wherever you are.
Be Selective With Your Staff
Unfortunately, many thefts are committed by a member of staff. That’s why it’s incredibly important that you’re very selective about who you hire. This is particularly important if you have employees that are coming and going alone with their own set of keys.
Ideally, you should always do a background check, and ultimately go with your gut feeling. If someone feels “off,” then trust your instincts by all means! The more careful you are about who you trust, the less susceptible you’ll be to security issues.
Get Insurance
It’s important that you have the right security measures in place should you experience theft. In the event of burglary, your insurance will be able to assist you in recovering your lost profits. It’s important to remember however, that not all insurance policies are created equally.
Ideally, you should go over all of the different options to you and find one that balances affordability with enough protection.
Train Your Employees
It’s vital that your employees are well trained on how to handle thieves. They should be keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity during business hours and know how to respond should they suspect someone has ill intentions.
Have a security plan in place, and make sure everyone knows what they’re supposed to do in the event of a robbery.
Remember, the most important thing is everyone’s safety. Although your inventory may mean a lot to you, your employees well-being should count above all else. Always keep this in mind when creating an emergency plan.