Business Crime
It is just possible that a business unaffected by crime might be as a result of pure luck. Nine times out of ten, however, luck has nothing to do with it.
Businesses are a strong target for criminals, and the thing that keeps businesses secure is prevention. Prevention should be managed like any other aspect of business, and controlled through business strategies.
Crime might be an annoyance to some companies; to others, it can cripple them to the extent of collapse.
Some organisations have been concerned solely with recouping their losses: as long as they are suitably insured, they need only make the most basic steps towards protection. In reality, what often happens is that not all losses are mitigated.
There is no one guide on safety that can be applied to all businesses. The one thing that can be spread across the board, however, is the importance of removing the opportunity for crime. There is no guarantee that crime won't happen (luck will only last so long), but there are effective methods to keep it at bay.
Police Architectural Liaison Service
Designing out crime at the planning stage is an innovative development in crime prevention, and growing evidence suggests that security can be incorporated into the design and layout of a project in a cost-effective way, offering many additional benefits to developers and owners.
Police Crime Reduction Advisors already have extensive knowledge of criminal behaviour - by passing this experience on to architects, planners and developers, we can battle crime before it has even happened.
All Surrey Police Crime Reduction Advisors have received additional training on the way in which the built environment can help to deny criminal opportunities and assist the normal users of space and buildings to exercise control.
At the design stage of a project, as well as advising on layout and design, these officers can provide vital information on the crime profile of an area so that measures can be taken to design out crime at an early stage.
The Police Architectural Liaison Service covers many types of development, including:
- Shopping precincts
- Housing developments
- Commercial parks
- Sports centres
- Airports
- Football stadia
- Schools
The Crime Reduction Advisors on each Surrey borough are trained to adopt a systematic approach to each project, and to provide detailed advice at each stage of a development. Recommendations can cover the external environment, the building itself and the internal area.
The Police Architectural Liaison Service is available in all Surrey Police areas. Please contact Surrey Police for further information and advice:
Tel: 0845 125 2222 and ask for the Crime Reduction Advisor for your borough
Further advice on Designing out Crime can be found at www.securedbydesign.com. (Opens in a new window.)
Why Me?
Signs
Some businesses inadvertantly advertise to a thief by placing nameboards and signs outside the premises when there's no possibility of advertising to the public. For example, warehouses might have signs like "Computer Chips Ltd" or "Sports Shoes Inc". advertise to a burglar!
Questionnaires
Criminals may be targeting businesses from trade information publications. Always be aware of disclosing confidential information, especially about computer systems, hardware, software and details of senior IT personnel.
Working Late?
Burglars can't do their 'job' if they are, or think they might be, disturbed. Leave selected lights on around the premises or use a timer to give the impression someone is working late, or that you have 24-hour staff cover.
What's Up Above?
Many small offices and shops could benefit from making people think there is an occupied flat in or above the property. You may be able to make an upstairs storeroom look like a flat by fitting curtains and timer lights. A false, labelled doorbell outside is a good idea.
Nothing to Steal
Never underestimate the importance of keeping valuables out of sight. A computer and printer near a window are nothing more than an advertisement to a thief. Similarly, cash tills in closed retail premises should be kept open to show that all the money has been removed.
Many schools are now learning the benefit of using only audio and video equipment that is not attractive to the majority of thieves. Alternatively, any item can be made "undesirable" by, for example, simply painting it and making it a bit scruffy.
Rubbish
Rubbish can be lighter fuel for an arson attack. Even if the fire is not malicious, careless litter and rubbish can easily cause accidental fires.
What you throw out might also provide a thief with valuable information - not just confidential information, discarded boxes can tell a burglar that you have bought new equipment. Consider where you put your rubbish: if you don't have access to a locked out-house, consider a lockable bin or skip.
Graffiti
Graffiti will only act as a light to a moth. Get rid of it as soon as possible if you don't want to attract other vandals. A number of surface treatments are available which will make any graffiti easier to remove.
Useful Links
If you'd like further information on or help with Property Safety, please check out some of the links below:
Leaflets and Information
The Home Office web site offers information on a variety of Crime Reduction matters, including statistics, policies, advice and published material.