If you are a business owner, you will know only too well how detrimental the effects of crime can be. Not only does crime impact your business financially, but it also has a negative effect on your mental health and that of your employees.
Whether you have been a victim of crime previously with a desire to take action to stop it from happening again or you want to prevent a crime from occurring in the first place, the blog below will tell you everything you need to know about crimes against businesses and how to protect yourself.
- Threats and violence
If you operate within the retail or wholesale sectors, you are much more likely to be threatened in the workplace than employees in other industries. Threats, violence, and assaults can all have a devasting effect on the victim, so you need to take steps to tackle this issue. Remember that verbal abuse can be just as distressing as physical abuse, so make sure you take this just as seriously.
With cs solutions like CCTV cameras and alarm systems, you can help to deter potential offenders from targeting your business. Not only that but lighting in and around your business can also help to make employees feel safer when working later hours.
- Arson
Arson is a crime that involves intentionally starting a fire in order to either damage or destroy something, most commonly a building such as a commercial property. Arson makes up a large percentage of all fires on business premises and can have devasting consequences. To prevent arson attacks, make sure that you install CCTV as well as motion sensor lighting. It can also be a good idea to restrict access to the premises so that only authorized personnel can enter.
- Burglary/shoplifting
Shoplifting affects most businesses at some time or another. However, for some, it occurs on a regular basis and can have a hugely detrimental effect on their bottom line. In some cases, businesses that are regularly affected by shoplifting have to raise their prices to cover their losses, making it harder for them to compete with other businesses.
To deter shoplifters and thieves, you should install surveillance cameras on the premises. You should also consider investing in manned guarding from Taybar for shoplifting and burglary if these have become a big problem for your business.
- Cybercrimes
Cybercrime is a fast-growing problem, with small businesses bearing the brunt of the attacks. In fact, it is estimated that 50% of all cyber-attacks are against small businesses. From malware to ransomware, hackers to viruses, there are so many different types of cyber-attacks that you need to be aware of. To keep your business protected, make sure that you install strong password-protected firewalls and that you train your employees on how to be vigilant of online scams.
- Fly-tipping
Fly-tipping is a problem for many businesses and refers to the dumping of waste onto land that does not have a license to accept it. It can lead to fires, attracts arsonists, and can be costly to rectify. If your business has been a victim of fly-tipping or waste dumping, you should contact your local authority to report this crime. Installing security cameras near locations where this occurs could deter future fly-tippers and find ways to make your commercial property more secure using security fences.
What is the impact of crime on businesses?
The impact of crime on businesses, especially small businesses, and start-ups, can be catastrophic with some never recovering from the financial and reputational damage. Overall, the impact of crime on businesses can be placed into the below categories:
- Financial losses
Crime can cause colossal financial losses in the form of stolen goods, damage to premises, and lost productivity caused by disruption.
- Reputational damage
In the case of threats or assault, this can damage the reputation of a business and lead to a reduction in trust. This can have a long-term effect on a business and its ability to attract and retain both employees and customers.
- Legal consequences
If your business is affected by crime, it can have legal consequences such as fines, legal fees, and even lawsuits, all of which can cost your business greatly.
- Employee safety
Crimes against businesses also affect the people who work there and can result in stress, anxiety, and even fear about coming to work.
How to protect your business from crime
If you don’t want your business to fall victim to any of the above crimes or other criminal activity, then you need to take preventative measures. Some of the most effective security strategies for keeping your business safe and secure include carrying out a risk assessment, regular property and equipment audits, and stock takes. On top of this, you should invest in security for your building and properly train staff members on what they should and shouldn’t do in the case of witnessing a crime or being involved in the alteration.
