Business Crime Prevention Advice

02.11.22

General

Sergeant Keith Jack, SBRC Police Business Resilience Team has issued the following advice on business crime prevention.

We all worry about becoming the victims of a crime, and businesses are no different. Traders face challenging times at the moment, and losing stock to theft or staff being abused whilst doing their job is an added pressure we could all do without. Over the past few weeks, the Police Business Resilience Team at the Scottish Business Resilience Centre has carried out several “Days of Action” in various towns across Scotland. We have visited over 200 businesses, spoken to over 300 people, enjoying some insightful conversations. Avoiding complacency and being risk aware reduces risk. 

Please take a second to read over Police Scotland’s Top 10 Security Tips for businesses.

I would add another – Look after your staff, they are the beating heart of every business, and they have their own concerns at the moment during the cost of living crisis. As well as selling products they do an amazing job of supporting some of our most vulnerable residents in the community. Often a visit to the shops is the only human contact people have; being able to share a concern or a laugh is so important. “It takes a whole community to create community safety, and shop staff are a vital part of this jigsaw”.

1. Conduct a risk assessment. This will look at the threats the organisation might face and how likely they are. This will look at existing and potential vulnerabilities and the impact of any breaches of security.

2. If you are expanding, consider security from the planning stage. It will be cheaper and more effective than adding measures later.

3. Make security awareness a part of the organisation’s culture. Ensure staff are kept informed, and security standards are fully supported at a senior level.

4. Make sure there is good housekeeping throughout the premises. Keep public areas tidy and well-lit. Remove unnecessary furniture and keep garden areas clear.

5. Keep access points to a minimum. Issue staff and visitors with passes. Do not allow unauthorised vehicles close to the building.

6. Install security such as locks, alarms, CCTV surveillance, complementary lighting and glazing protection.

7. Have mail-handling procedures. Set up a mailroom away from the main premises. 

8. When recruiting staff or contractors, check their identities and follow up on their references.

9. Look at how best to protect information. Take proper IT security precautions. Ensure there are provisions to get rid of confidential waste.

10. Plan and rehearse business continuity. Have plans to deal with incidents. Make sure that key business areas can continue when there are disruptions.

Find out more about the advice and services the Police Business Resilience Team offer to improve your business’ security.