Crimes Against Businesses Part 2 – How to Combat Retail Burglary

The Commercial Victimisation Survey details the prevalence, frequency and impact of crime experienced by wholesale and retail sector businesses, and the 2021 survey estimated that 38% of business premises in that sector in England and Wales had been affected by crime, with 10% of that crime being burglary.

The Commercial Victimisation Survey (CVS) details the prevalence, frequency and impact of crime experienced by wholesale and retail sector businesses.

The 2021 survey estimated that 38% of retail and wholesale business in England and Wales had been affected by crime between April 2020 and March 2021. The most common type of crime experienced was retail and wholesale theft (27%), followed by assaults or threats (12%), and burglary (10%).

As we said when we explored the subject of retail and wholesale theft, being aware of the most common types of crimes in this sector can help when it comes to compiling a security risk assessment, and putting security measures in place to help combat the risks that have come to light as a result.

How to combat retail and wholesale burglary

Burglars, regardless of the type of property they are targeting, will always seek out the easy way in that requires the least amount of effort.

If they come across retail or wholesale premises that are a challenge to break into, and the chances of being caught are high, then they will, more often than not, give the property a wide berth. The more robust and multi-layered a security system, the lower the likelihood of a break-in attempt.

This is probably why retailers spent £715 million on crime prevention in 2021/22. And here are just some of the most popular measures that they’re investing in.

Physical reinforcements

High specification commercial security doors and business grade locks form your first line of defence against burglars.

Reinforcing all possible entrances is vital, as vulnerable windows and doors are one of the first potential routes-in that burglars look for.

Be sure to plump for anti-snap locks which are more difficult for burglars to compromise. The Master Locksmith Association (MLA) says that 25% of burglaries involve lock snapping. The practice involves breaking the cylinder to manipulate the lock into opening. The cylinder is the weakest point of any lock mechanism, and snapping it requires no specialist tools or knowledge. Anti-snap locks are constructed using rotating discs rather than springs and pins, making them virtually pick and snap proof.

Always be sure to have locks installed by an MLA member for a guarantee of reassurance, as well as standards and insurance compliance. They will be able to advise you on the best type of lock to meet the needs of your security risk assessment.

For doors that are at a particular disadvantage and perhaps at risk from a snatch and grab burglary, you may consider adding security grilles. Do consider the fact though that grilles can hamper emergency access, so you will need to factor this in to your fire risk assessment.

Safeguarding valuables

If you are looking to protect your valuables, business documents and cash, not just from burglary, but also from the threat of destruction by fire or heat damage, you’re going to need a fireproof safe.

A fireproof safe is also often a condition of business insurance. They are designed to protect digital and magnetic media, paper and other valuables. The inside of the safe is designed to remain below the temperature at which materials like these will combust. Fireproof safes are constructed with an insulated lining, making the walls thicker to boost protection against fire.

Regardless of the size or weight of your safe, it will still need to be fixed in place. Burglars will always find a way to remove a safe if they think it will be worth the effort. Not only is it essential to bolt down a safe to prevent it being removed, it will also support any insurance claim you need to make, with most insurance providers requiring safes to be professionally fitted to a wall or the floor.

Keeping an eye on things

Intruder alarms work using sensors, which detect suspicious movement and trigger an alert to notify owners, keyholders or an Alarm Receiving Centre to take the necessary action.

The alert may be an audible siren, and/or a notification sent to a smart device for remote monitoring. When the alarm system is combined with CCTV, real time footage can also be relayed to the device.

A professionally installed burglar alarm and CCTV system supported by a commercial alarm monitoring service layers up retail and wholesale security, with the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) providing a round the clock response service.

Intruder alarms and CCTV cameras are one of the most effective burglar deterrents, even for the most determined thieves. No burglar wants to be detected breaking in. CCTV also records vital evidence in the event of a breach of security, attempted or otherwise.

Retail and wholesale businesses should be mindful of who they engage to install their alarm system and CCTV. National Security Inspectorate Gold accreditation provides reassurance that the supplier is trustworthy and committed to quality and service.

It is worth knowing that many commercial insurance providers offer discounted premiums to policyholders who have invested in an NSI Gold approved intruder alarm system, and some will specify use of NSI Gold approved companies for installation and maintenance.

Training staff

If you’re going to invest in a robust retail or wholesale security system, you’re going to need to support that investment with staff training.

Providing guidance on security best practice is vital, as is sharing advice on what to do to prevent a breach, including suspicious activity to look out for and how to report it. Everyday door and window security and access permissions are an important topic too.

Seeking bespoke wholesale or retail security solutions?

With 38% of wholesale and retail premises in England and Wales having been recently affected by crime, it is vital to take steps to protect your business against the threat of burglary.

At Barry Bros Security, our accredited and long term experienced security experts have been working closely with businesses in a range of industry sectors for over 70 years, making sure premises are protected from the specific risks they face.

To organise a fully tailored security assessment for your retail or wholesale premises, we welcome you to contact Barry Bros Security or call in to our London showroom.