Beating Business Crime

Here at Premierline Direct we offer some guidance on how to reduce the risks of business crime:

Carry out a risk assessment

You should look at the exterior of your business premises and analyze where it might be at risk of crime. A good place to start is by looking at the physical aspects of the building, which act as the first line of defense against an incident.

Install security measures

You can deter thieves by having obvious security measures in place such as alarms and locks on doors and windows, CCTV focused on entrances and exits, and sensor lights.

With an alarm, it's worth thinking about installing one that is linked to a central monitoring station, which will give you peace of mind knowing that a key holder will be alerted should the alarm be triggered.

When reviewing your security measures you should also refer to the "minimum level of security" section of your business insurance policy. This lays out guidelines on the types of locks required and suitable alarm systems. It's important that you ensure these 'minimum requirements' are met as it could impact on your claim if the worst happens.

Assess your internal security

Opportunities for crime include cash tills, visible stock and contents left on display after closing, and items which aren't security tagged. It's a good idea to remove valuables from sight at night and securely lock away electronic equipment. Cash should also be regularly removed from the premises during the day, or if required, a cash carrying company can do this for you which is often a much safer method particularly if large amounts of cash will be in transit.

Make sure intruder alarms and sprinkler systems are in full working order, particularly if you are planning to be closed over any longer periods of time.

Make sure you're covered

Insurance can compensate for the financial loss if you are a target of crime, but it is essential you ensure that you are adequately covered in the first place. This means being realistic about the level of cover your business requires for areas such as the value of contents and stock. It's a good idea to take your renewal as an opportunity to review whether your insurance needs have changed over the last twelve months.

It's essential that businesses do all they can to protect themselves against the risk of crime, For more useful information on how you can protect your business, including free access to a Risk Calculator, go to our dedicated website: http://www.beatbusinesscrime.co.uk/

Visit Premierline Direct for more information on business insurance. View original here: Beating Business Crime.

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