In the eyes of thieves and other criminals, small businesses are more vulnerable than larger businesses and present ideal targets. As a small business owner, it’s your responsibility to protect your business, employees, customers, inventory, and reputation and take effective measures to prevent shoplifting, theft, robbery, and vandalism. Do you feel like you might not be doing enough to prevent crime? These seven small business crime prevention tips will help you figure out what your next step should be.
Install security cameras and an alarm system
If you don’t already have security cameras, you should consider installing some as soon as possible. Having security cameras around your facilities can be enough to deter robbers and vandals. But if someone commits a crime despite your cameras, the footage captured will help law enforcement identify them. Your business should also be protected by an alarm system. It will alert you and the authorities if a crime is being committed while no one is on your business premises.
Implement a threat detection platform
Depending on which type of business you are operating, it could make a lot of sense to implement a threat detection platform to prevent violent crimes. A threat detection platform from Patriot One Technologies will use the power of artificial intelligence to detect guns, knives, and other threats and disturbances. The technology can be integrated with your security system and cameras and help you determine the best course of action to prevent a crime. A threat detection platform helps keep your employees and your customers safe at all times.
Add lighting in and around your business premises
Is your business well lit? It’s always a good idea to add some lighting inside your business, as well as around the building and in your parking lot. Light can deter criminals, as most thieves and vandals want to avoid being seen by everyone passing by while they break into a building to commit a crime. As for lighting in your parking lot and around your property, it will help your employees feel safer, especially if they leave your business when it’s dark outside.
Deter criminals with security fences and trimmed shrubs
As you can see, crime prevention is all about finding ways to deter criminals and keep them away from your business. Another simple way to do this is to put up security fences around your building. Fences make it more difficult for burglars or vandals to break into your property. And if they still manage to get close but trigger your security alarm, the fence will make it more difficult for them to escape. If you have shrubs or bushes around your business, be sure to keep them trimmed so no one can hide behind them and so you can see anyone walking around.
Make sure your security measures are visible
If you have security cameras, an alarm system, a threat detection platform, or even a security guard on duty, make sure anyone who comes near your business knows about it. Your crime prevention measures will be more effective if they are not discreet. A sign that claims security cameras monitor your establishment could be enough to deter some criminals.
Be sure to greet your customers when they walk in
Some crime prevention measures don’t have to cost you anything. Ensure you and your employees greet every customer who walks in and ask them if they need help finding what they are looking for. Many customers will appreciate this simple gesture, especially if they need help. It will show them that you care about them and their business. But speaking with a friendly employee as soon as they walk through the door will also make would-be shoplifters less likely to act.
Make sure your employees are never alone
Finally, try never to be alone in your store and never let any of your employees be alone. If only one employee is present, some criminals could be more likely to approach them and force them to hand over all the money in your cash register or your safe. Employees will feel safer if they are not alone, especially if they have to close the store late in the evening. These different measures will help you prevent crime in your small business. But if, despite your precautions, a robber enters your facilities, be sure your employees know that the safest thing to do is to comply. They should follow the robber’s instructions and avoid sudden movements. If you have security cameras installed, it should be possible to identify the criminal afterward. You don’t want anyone to risk their lives simply to save money or goods.