As a business owner, you understand that theft can occur in many different ways. Some types of theft are more obvious than others, but it’s important to recognize that any item of value is a potential target for thieves. It’s your responsibility to take steps to secure your investments and protect your business from theft.
What kind of theft can affect your business?
There are several different types of theft that can impact your business:
-Employee theft: This type of theft is probably the most common for businesses. Employees who steal usually take small items on a regular basis, and over time, this can add up to big losses for your company.
-Customer theft: If you own a retail store or restaurant, customer theft is a real concern. You may even lose money through a combination of employee and customer theft. For instance, an employee may allow customers to steal without reporting it or intervening because he or she knows the thief personally.
-Vandalism: Property damage and vandalism are also types of theft because they destroy valuable property. Acts such as graffiti and breaking windows cost companies lots of money every year in repairs and replacements.
-Cybercrime: A significant number of businesses experience cybercrime each year as well. Cybercriminals use computers and networks.
There are many steps you can take to protecting your business from theft. The actions you take will depend on the nature of your business, but there are some common steps you should consider:
- Keep it saf
- Keep valuables out of sight and secure them in a safe
- Don’t leave items like laptops or valuable stock on display where they could be taken through an open window or door
- Put up signage warning staff and customers that their bags may be checked when they come into your premises
- Use window displays to advertise your products – but remove valuable items overnight
- Install CCTV cameras and keep them in good working order
- Make sure there are emergency contacts displayed near phones, in case of an incident
If your premises has a back entrance, install a lockable ‘Dutch’ door (which has a top and bottom half) so you can keep the lower half closed while still serving customers at the front counter. Make sure it’s kept locked when not in use.
The last thing anyone wants to find out is that someone has stolen from their business. Unfortunately, it happens more often than you might think. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable because they tend to be less stringent with security controls.In the case of a small business, it’s important to remember that theft doesn’t always mean someone breaking into your store and stealing your inventory — usually, it comes in the form of an employee or partner stealing money or supplies. That’s why you need to make sure you have the right security measures in place to protect your business and your employees.
