Security Hints & Tips from Premierline Direct

Watch out, watch out, there’s a thief about

January 2006

Thieves will sometimes go to extraordinary lengths to get what they want. A recent Premierline customer survey found that 67% all business claims were due to theft and damage to property. In the manufacturing sector the survey revealed that 50% of all claims were due to theft alone. And, according to the AXA Business Crime Index business crime is on the up.

So how can you make sure you’re business is fully protected from thieves? Barrie Wells, Managing Director of Premierline Direct has some advice - here are Premierline Direct’s top ten tips to help you to avoid becoming a crime statistic:

1. Install a good quality intruder alarm using an approved installer. Where possible, have a remotely monitored link to the alarm company’s monitoring station.
2. Consider fitting security shutters or grilles across the shop front and across all other accessible doors and windows. Internal grilles are a good deterrent to smash and grab claims. Always consult the local planning authority first.
3. Don’t keep large amounts of money on the premises – make regular trips to the bank and vary your route. Leave tills open and empty at night.
4. Carry out regular stock checks – to ensure stock is not going missing without you even knowing about it.
5. Always insist on references for new employees. Employee theft may not be covered under your standard policy.
6. Arrange display racks in a random pattern to avoid creating direct exit routes for shoplifters and use security mirrors to eliminate blind spots.
7. Ensure all staff receive basic crime prevention training.
8. Fit key operated window fastenings to opening windows with the key hidden from view. Also fit good quality mortise deadlocks on final exit doors.
9. Avoid leaving delivery vehicles loaded overnight unless these can be kept in secure premises or a locked compound.
10. Seek further advice from your Crime Prevention Officer, Insurer, Trade Association or British Chamber of Commerce.

The benefits of taking steps to improve your security extend beyond the obvious of reducing the chances of crime. You may well benefit from reduced insurance premiums by avoiding unnecessary claims costs and attracting premium discounts for certain security features. Your own and your staff’s personal safety is improved. And by reducing the chance of crime you reduce the associated management down-time through the inconvenience of having to deal with the Police, contractors (in some cases) and loss adjusters.

Knowing you have done all you can to reduce crime is very reassuring – one less thing to get you stressed! And of course there is the improved profitability of your business as you can concentrate on doing what you do best!