The current pandemic has led to a number of Australians having to close their business or restructuring to suit restrictive measures designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
With a number of businesses not currently trading and sitting empty, it’s important to remember that business owners and employees can take a number of practical, proactive measures to help to prevent and reduce the risk of crime. Nobody ever wants to become a victim of crime, but for many it would be a final blow at a time when things are already tough.
Here are some tips to consider:
- Make sure laneways, car parks and other external areas are well lit
- Prune trees and shrubs to ensure clear visibility of the property and reduce the likelihood opportunities for a burglar to hide
- All boundary gates and fences should be well built and maintained, adequately secured, clear of rubbish and free from objects that can be put against them to climb over
- External doors should be solid, and all external doors and windows fully secured with quality and regularly maintained locks
- If padlocks are used on gates or doors, make sure they are of an appropriate and recommended standard
- Installing bollards, heavy planters or large rocks can act as a barrier to ram raids
- Install a monitored alarm system, mirrors, CCTV or perpetrator marking technology and prominently display signs warning about the presence of any security measures
- Advertising material and posters on windows and doors, and other window coverings, should be kept at a minimum to provide a clear view of the business from inside and out
- Safes should be securely fixed to a floor, wall or similar solid object
- All property should be clearly and permanently marked with the name of your business or the Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Retrieve keys and access cards from ex-employees
- Never leave large amounts of cash on premises overnight
- Make sure all staff adheres to lock-up procedures
