For many businesses, crime is an unfortunate part of daily life. According to 2023’s Commercial Victimisation Survey (CVS), 26% of companies had been victims of a crime in the past year. Of those who were victims, the most common crimes were theft (14%), followed by burglary (8%) and vandalism (8%), with 7% even falling victim to violence or threats during this period. In Cumbria, crimes against businesses were at their highest rate for 4 years in 2023 (according to the most recent data available from Cumbria Police).
So, how do businesses in the North West and beyond ensure they avoid becoming another statistic? Most importantly, they have to keep their physical premises safe. We explore the benefits of security systems for businesses and the most effective methods below.
How do physical security measures help prevent crime?
Physical security measures are any precautions or systems you introduce to your physical premises to help prevent your business from becoming a victim of crime. They may be used as a deterrent to discourage criminals from targeting your company in the first place or to protect your premises and property should you be targeted. While physical security measures often require significant investment, they help avoid heavy losses due to crime in the long run. They can also help reduce insurance premiums as they reduce the overall risk of crime.
Top physical security measures that are most effective
Each business has unique security challenges based on factors like location and industry. Supermarkets, for example, are understandably much more likely to fall foul of shoplifters – 76% had been victims in the last 12 months, according to the 2023 CVS. Unlike big supermarket chains, small businesses have limited security budgets and need to focus on what’s the most effective for them. We look at the most effective security systems for businesses below.
1. CCTV & Surveillance
Surveillance cameras and CCTV are a fantastic addition to any business security system – and they’ve been proven to have an effect. They act as a deterrent for potential criminals and provide valuable evidence for police should a crime take place. And, if used in shared spaces like shop floors or staff rooms, interior cameras can even help spot illegal activity from staff.
2. Access Control & Door Entry Systems
Regarding site security, if you have oversight and control over who enters your building, you’re already way ahead of the game. Door entry systems give you the power to control who enters the building. Without the hassle of keys, you can give and remove access to individuals easily and create separate access points that are only accessible by specific members of staff. With remote access control panels, you can even track an individual’s movement based on the specific signal of their key card or fob.
3. Alarms & Intrusion Detection Systems
Intruder alarms can be a very effective part of your business’s security system if used correctly. Like the presence of security cameras, an alarm system can put criminals off targeting your premises by their very presence. They are even more effective when connected to monitoring systems – which not only set off the alarm itself but, depending on your security system, can automatically notify staff, police, or private security contractors.
If you’re one of the 1 in 4 businesses who’s already been a victim of crime this year, or if you want to avoid becoming one, you should think about upgrading your security system. Physical security measures help prevent crime and reduce losses, and systems like CCTV can provide valuable evidence if a crime occurs. To get started on your business security journey today, contact a member of our dedicated Fire and Security team.
