Granted a lot of small businesses operate online these days,
there are still many who traditionally operate in a physical space. Very sadly,
thieves are on the prowl every hour of the day looking for businesses hit. As
long as there are small businesses, there will always be people out there looking
to rob, burglarize, and otherwise steal from them. It’s simply a risk that
every business owner must take. The trick is to minimize risk and maximize
awareness. Getting out ahead of potential thieves is the best remedy. We all know
that robbery is a crime of opportunity. If somehow you are able to eliminate
that opportunity, your business, your customers, and your peace of mind will be
better off for it.
It does a lot of good if we take advice from people who are trained and empowered to deal with thieves. That is what the police do all around the world. The police know very well that if criminals are determined to steal from you, they’ll find a way to (try to) do it. To stop them, you can set up your business deliberately to discourage would-be thieves. That effort lies in the way you design the layout and equip the physical space where you do business. LAPD and many police departments, routinely advise every small business owner operating in a physical space to do the following among many other precautions they can also take.
ð 01. Provide security system information to employees only on a need-to-know basis. The sad truth is that employee theft and fraud is a major source of loss—amounting to tens of thousands of lost profits for businesses each year on average.
02. Keep minimal cash in the register at all times, and make bank deposits often and during business hours.
03. Most importantly: Cooperate with burglars if confronted. It’s not worth losing your life over.
04. Apply deadbolt locks or metal security crossbars to all outside entrances and inside security doors.
05. Install secure locks and burglar-resistant glass on windows.
06. Keep the cash register in plain view from the outside of your business, so it can be monitored by police as well as spotted by passersby and customers if a robbery occurs during business hours.
07. Install lighting on the inside and outside of your business, especially around doors, windows, and other entry points.
08. Install CCTVs correctly and be sure they are functional at all times.
09. Where practicable, you can link your small business premises with the local police department by way alarm system.
02. Keep minimal cash in the register at all times, and make bank deposits often and during business hours.
03. Most importantly: Cooperate with burglars if confronted. It’s not worth losing your life over.
04. Apply deadbolt locks or metal security crossbars to all outside entrances and inside security doors.
05. Install secure locks and burglar-resistant glass on windows.
06. Keep the cash register in plain view from the outside of your business, so it can be monitored by police as well as spotted by passersby and customers if a robbery occurs during business hours.
07. Install lighting on the inside and outside of your business, especially around doors, windows, and other entry points.
08. Install CCTVs correctly and be sure they are functional at all times.
09. Where practicable, you can link your small business premises with the local police department by way alarm system.
