It’s important to think logically in the aftermath of a break-in. You need the same attitude which has turned your business into a success. That way, you’ll be able to deal with the fall-out in a calm and efficient manner.
James Archer on behalf of The Safe Shop, a leading online retailer of secure storage units offers different strategies for minimising the long-term effects that can occur after a robbery.
TELL YOUR CLIENTS
Depending on the nature of your business, it’s worth telling your clients or partners about the break in. They will be more understanding about missed orders or late payments if they are fully informed about what happened.
TELL YOUR BANK
If any financial documents have been stolen, you should inform any banks you hold accounts with to look out for any suspicious movements of money. You should freeze any accounts which you suspect have been targeted. This ensures that you can conduct business without worrying you will be bankrupted by criminals.
DO A STOCK CHECK
Depending on the nature of your business, important stock or office equipment might have been stolen. Make sure you do a full inventory check to identify anything that has gone missing. Then repeat step #1 if you need to!
TARGET WEAK SPOTS
It could be that your staff shut windows at the end of the day, but forget to lock them. Or your burglar alarm is only tested once every six months, meaning any faults are left undetected. Pinpoint your security issues are fixed quickly. Clearer guidelines for locking up at the end of the day will let staff know what they need to do before they go home.
REPEAT EMPLOYMENT HISTORY CHECKS
After a break in, you should repeat background checks on your staff. If you did this thoroughly when each employee was hired, then there shouldn’t be a problem. However, it can be useful to see if you missed any discrepancies first time around.
FIT CCTV & HIRE SECURITY GUARDS
It seems obviously, but installing CCTV is a must. This is expensive, but it gives you peace of mind that your premises are being monitored when you’re not there. It also means that if your business is broken into in future, the police will be able to track the thieves more easily.
A security guard will stop people from loitering near your building. Again, the extra money you spend will give you an added layer of protection. It’s important to hire security guards from reputable firms and to conduct thorough background checks.
BUY ANOTHER SAFE
If you are running out of space for valuable documents or equipment, you might want to buy another safe, or secure lockers. This will stop you from leaving important items around your office because you don’t have anywhere to put them.
GIVE STAFF KEY FOBS
Install doors which can only be opened with security fobs. This means only you and your staff should be able to access the premises during the day. Any lost fobs need to be reported immediately, and should be handed to reception or head office if they are found.
INSTALL DNA SPRAY
DNA spray is becoming popular amongst businesses. If thieves try to break in, they will be sprayed with an invisible liquid which cannot be washed off. This links them to the scene of the crime and makes it easier for burglars to be prosecuted in court.
We hope you have enjoyed our guide to dealing with a workplace break-in. The most important thing to remember is that the simplest security measures can be the most important!
