How to keep your business safe during the coronavirus crisis

Alarms

This one might sound obvious, but if you have an alarm system, make sure you use it.

If you’re able to, it’s worth paying a quick visit to your premises (provided you follow the Government’s safety guidelines) to check it to ensure it’s working properly, switched on and protecting your business as it should.

Security Cameras

Again, if you have a CCTV system or security cameras in place, you should carry out a quick check to ensure they are switched on, working properly and are set to capture any areas of concern.

Although security cameras won’t physically prevent a crime from being committed, they provide a great visual deterrent to would-be criminals and will make them think twice about breaking in.

Lighting

Another crucial element of business crime prevention is exterior lighting. You should make sure that any non-functioning bulbs are replaced and that any dark or unlit areas are addressed, as this will make it harder for criminals to lurk around your premises undetected.

If you have motion-activated lighting, that’s even better – again, it won’t physically prevent a crime from taking place, but it will act as a great deterrent.

High value items

It might not be possible to remove any or all high value items from your business premises during lockdown. If you can’t, then taking extra steps to secure them within your business will pay dividends.

That means moving them from high-visibility areas and away from prying eyes, covering your windows and doors so people can’t see in and even locking them up in safe storage, if you have it.

This is again where your alarm system might come into play, if you can set it to cover any internal doors or rooms.

Security signage

If your business has closed its doors temporarily, you might not want to advertise the fact.

However, if it’s going to remain closed for long periods at a time, then adding signage such as ‘No cash kept on premises’, ‘Business monitored by CCTV’, ‘Covered by 24-hour surveillance’, or similar may provide another visual deterrent to would-be thieves.

Security policies and procedures

How many key holders does your business have, and do they have any obligations in terms of checking in on the business?

Do you use a security company and if so, do they know who to contact if needed?

And do you have a process in place in case there is an incident?

It’s worth reviewing your security policies and procedures in light of the current situation, just to make sure they are as effective as they can be.

Neighbourhood watch

You might not be in a formal ‘Neighbourhood Watch’-type security scheme, but if you have a friendly business neighbours, or people you trust who live nearby and don’t mind checking in, then ask them to keep an eye on things. It will add another level of peace of mind to know that there is someone looking over your property.