The risks

Crimes against businesses are not usually planned – they usually happen when someone spots an opportunity.

• Carry out a thorough risk assessment. Take a hard look at your business and check where there are opportunities for crime, e.g. unsecured cash tills or anti-social behaviour outside your building.
• Draw up a checklist of potential risks and ask yourself some questions. E.g.:

• Do you follow agreed opening and closing procedures for the business?
• Do you monitor visitors arriving at and leaving your premises?
• Are tools, ladders and valuables securely locked away?
• Do you keep cash on the premises?
• Do you follow a procedure for closing and locking doors, windows and skylight?

Your answers to these questions will help you decide which security measures your business needs. Knowing the particular risks your business faces means any action you take will be more effective.