How can you keep your office safe during lockdown?

According to the latest available figures, there were 109,391 burglary cases recorded by businesses in the last year and with thousands of business owners having to leave their properties unsupervised during self-isolation, how can you help to keep them safe during the lockdown.

Related topics:  Business
Property Reporter
1st April 2020
Question 709

With the Prime Minister’s recent vow to tighten up our regular day-to-day activities, the self-isolation battle is well and truly on, leaving 6 million businesses in the UK, unprotected.

One of the main limitations in place is to only travel to work if absolutely necessary, leaving business owners no choice but to shut their offices and work from home. Unless they live above their pride and joy, people can’t be there 24/7 to keep an eye on things.

Freedom of Information has revealed over 600,000 businesses were victims of crime in the last year. With 109,391 burglary cases recorded, the majority of break-ins targeted small businesses across the UK. With businesses currently unable to monitor their properties, security experts at safe.co.uk have provided five tips to demonstrate how small businesses can protect themselves during the pandemic.

Protect valuables

Just like in domestic properties, many burglaries occur because they are tempted by what’s on show. Utilise lockers for your employees and ensure that their belongings aren’t left exposed, and make sure any other valuables are locked away and out of sight at all times.

Install CCTV

CCTV will protect personnel and property and deter thieves – both internal and external. You will be required by the Data Protection Act and GDPR to put signs up informing people that they’re being filmed. It could mean the difference between a burglar choosing your business to burgle or another.

Locks

Review and replace your locks, especially if you think someone could still have access. Consider smart locks as although they have a higher initial outlay, you can take advantage of features such as audit trails and access control, which come in handy if you have a high turnover of staff.

Security lighting

Burglars and thieves will always use the cover of darkness if they can. That’s why security lighting can be such a great way to deter unwanted visitors, as they will detect motion and expose them to the street. Make sure your small business has no dark and shady areas for thieves to lurk.

Start a “business watch” scheme

A similar concept to neighbourhood watch, this is where a group of businesses in a geographical location will look out for each other, keep in close communication with each other and share advice and information. You could even share the cost of a security firm to provide physical security 24 hours a day.

When burglaries happen, there is that lasting impact of crime on both trade and staff morale, with owners suffering emotional distress adding unnecessary worry when running a small business. Safe pledge to help reassure business owners throughout these times of uncertainty.

Anthony Neary, Managing Director of safe.co.uk commented: “The research shows the shocking burglary rates on businesses. It is evident that during this tough period, offices and businesses are likely to be at risk. Simple actions such as upgrading security and getting to know your business neighbours could make all the difference when it comes to the protection of your livelihood.”

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