No business owner wants to consider the possibility of their business being broken into or vandalized. But the fact is, companies can be targeted for crime, just like homes and other types of property. The cost of crime can reach a staggering cost of two trillion dollars! The average price per business is around $20,000. The cost can also include time from work to handle the crime and what people must go through after a break-in.
There are several reasons why a business might be targeted, and knowing these reasons can help you take steps to protect your business. Here are some of the most common reasons enterprises get targeted for crime.
Easy Target
Businesses get targeted for crime because they are seen as easy targets. This might be because your business is in a high-crime area or lacks security features like cameras or adequate lighting. If your business appears to be an easy target, criminals will be more likely to target it.
You Handle Cash
If your business deals primarily in cash, you’re at a higher risk of being targeted by criminals. This is because money is easy to steal and difficult to trace. So if you handle a lot of cash, it’s essential to take extra steps to protect your business, like investing in a safe.
Valuable Inventory
Another reason businesses get targeted for crime is because they have valuable inventory. This might include things like jewelry, electronics, or art. If criminals know that your business has valuable items on-site, they might be more likely to target it in the hopes of stealing those items.
Remote Location
If your business is located in a remote area, you might be at a higher risk of being targeted by criminals. This is because remote locations are often difficult for police to patrol, making them easier places for criminals to commit crimes without getting caught.
No business owner ever wants to think about their business as the target of a crime. But the fact is, companies can be targeted just like any other type of property. There are several reasons why a business might be targeted, and knowing these reasons can help you take steps to protect your business. If you think your business can be targeted for crime, consider making these changes.
Fences
The first step to defending your business from crime is installing physical measures to deter criminals. A robust metal fence is one of the best defenses you can add to your business. A metal fence will make it more difficult for criminals to access your property and might intimidate them into looking elsewhere for an easier target. Additionally, this can give you enough time to realize that a crime is about to occur. Fences can make a huge difference in preventing crime when installed alongside other measures.
Install an Alarm System
One of the best ways to protect your business from crime is to install an alarm system. Alarm systems act as a deterrent to criminals and can also alert authorities during a break-in. When choosing an alarm system, select one that is appropriate for the size and type of business you operate. It might also be wise to install an access control system.
Install ACS
Sometimes, crime can happen from the inside. For example, employee theft is expected in the country, costing businesses about $50 billion annually. One way to prevent this type of crime is to install an access control system. An ACS allows you to limit employee access and monitor who has been on-site at all times. This can reduce the risk of internal theft and help keep your business as secure as possible.
Lock Up Your Valuables
Another way to protect your business from crime is to lock up your valuables. This includes cash, checks, jewelry, electronics, and other high-priced items. Keeping these items locked away makes it more difficult for criminals to steal them. You should also consider investing in a safe to store your most valuable items.
Improving Lighting
Poor lighting can create opportunities for crime by providing places for criminals to hide. By improving the lighting around your business, you can deter criminals and make it easier for employees and customers to see potential threats. Install lights in all darkened areas, including parking lots and alleys. Motion-sensor lights are also a good option as they will turn on automatically when someone approaches, making it more difficult for criminals to go undetected.
Taking these steps can help prevent your business from being targeted by criminals. In addition to installing physical security measures, investing in insurance coverage is wise to help protect you against loss. With these protections in place, you can help keep your business safe.
