Business Safety

Police speaking to business man

The latest British Retail Consortium's (BRC) Retail Crime Survey 2008 shows numbers of customer thefts down 26% in the year to April but the survey still recorded a third of a million shoplifting offences - one every 90 seconds.

Employee theft fell 56% in the year to April.

Shoplifting is the most costly crime for shops accounting for more than 64% of all retail crime losses - well above burglary (16%), robberies (8%) and employee theft (8%).

Online sales are predicted to account for 10% of all retail sales by 2010. Of those retailers who sell online, 85% had experienced internet fraud in the year to April 2008 and 64% stated internet fraud had increased.

Figures from the British Chamber of Commerce indicate the cost of business crime nationally, based upon their sample, are estimated to be £1.26 billion annually.

  • 59% of businesses have experienced at least one incident of crime in the last 12 months
  • 24% of businesses have experienced damage to vehicles
  • 20% of businesses have experienced vandalism or graffiti
  • 19% of businesses have been burgled.
  • Greater proportions of businesses in industrial estates, shopping parades and out of town locations have experienced crime in the last 12 months compared to those based elsewhere.

The Retail Crime Survey does indicate a national downward trend in crime - down one third since 1997 and a 48% decline in offences since a peak in 1995.

Retail Theft is not a victimless crime - Preventing Crime pays!!

What can we do in partnership - the police and other public services, businesses and residents - in tackling crime effectively? Everyone needs to play a part.

As a retailer, you can take some simple steps to reduce the risks of becoming a victim of crime:

  • Do a few things - don't rely on one solution
  • Involve everyone who works for you and use their experience
  • Remember partnership pays! You will be able to do more by working with others.

The Home office booklet 'Don't Discount Crime - Crime Reduction advice for Retailers' explains how to reduce the risks to your business.

Work Safe - Work Smart

  • What crime has there been?
  • Is there a Business watch scheme in your area?
  • Talk to other local businesses and organisations.
  • What are the targets and threats?
  • What would be the effect of crime against your business?

Store Design and Layout

  • Walk around the environment.
  • Is the area well maintained?
  • Are there vulnerable points?
  • Are access points secure?
  • Consider ram raiding and other crimes.
  • Check walls, doors, windows, roofs and fences.
  • Consider climbing risks, visibility and weak points.
  • Carefully consider the location of your tills / high value goods.

Physical Security

  • Put a security plan in place.
  • Strengthen doors and windows.
  • Use a good quality safe to protect valuable assets.
  • Remember - information is an asset.
  • Visibility - CCTV, lighting and mirrors.
  • Install an alarm and other deterrent devices.
  • Reduce the amount of cash held and bank it regularly.
  • Security of public and shared areas - is it robust enough?

Staff Awareness

  • Keep security and safety procedures up to date.
  • Make sure all staff are aware of procedures and their responsibilities.
  • Appropriate staff training.
  • Secure personal property.
  • Security for people working alone.
  • Is staff at risk?
  • Don't take personal risks.

Working Together

  • Join or form a local Business Watch scheme - contact your local Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer or see further details on the Neighbourhood watch link.
  • Local partnerships. Get to know your local community police officer or community support officer. They can offer advice or refer you to the Crime reduction officer for your area.

Keep Safe

  • If you find yourself in threatening or violent situations don’t take unnecessary risks. Protect yourself - your personal safety is paramount.

More information

  • Crime Reduction Officers can be contacted at your local main police office or by telephoning (01642) 326326 and asking for the Crime Reduction Officer for your area.
  • Your local Community Policing Team can offer support and advice.
  • Retail trade associations will give advice to members.
  • British Chamber of Commerce - www.britishchambers.org.uk
  • Business Link - www.businesslink.org
  • Crime Reduction - www.crimereduction.gov.uk - for a wide range of advice and toolkits on crime reduction.
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