Running a small business is highly rewarding, but it comes with its share of problems, including securing your premises, staff, and assets. If you are running a corner shop or an office or manage deliveries, crime prevention must always remain at the top of the list.
The landscape of security concerns for small businesses is almost limitless, and being proactive is what separates the lion’s share of guard between your operation’s success and everything that can go wrong.
So what do you do to create a safe environment, and which measures are truly going to make the difference?
This guide provides small business owners with practical strategies to reduce risks, protect assets, and create a safe environment for employees and customers alike.
Alarming small business crime statistics
It must start with an understanding of the risks small businesses are vulnerable to before crafting effective preventative measures. Though it is recognized that crime rates had fluctuated since the outbreak of the global pandemic in 2020, some statistics remain particularly disturbing for small business owners. ZAM FM Ltd has dug deep into those issues and picks on some of the salient findings of this comprehensive report on retail crime.
While it is disappointing to learn from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) that 50% of small enterprises have been targeted by criminals at least once in the past two years, such statistics are daunting not just for budding entrepreneurs but even to those who are well-established in their fields.
Another aspect of concern is the manner in which the break-down of the crimes are happening. Robbery and burglary make up 42% of all business-related crimes, while theft follows closely at 38%. Additionally, 36% of the crimes comprise criminal damage. This implies that threats are varied and not at one point restricted to any given type of crime. For example, robberies cases can be followed by acts of vandalism as the perpetrators break some of the property and stock to achieve their aim.
Altogether, these crimes cause a considerable loss to small businesses financially and an estimate put by the FSB as an annual loss is about £12.9 billion. Putting these figures forward, they point to the critical requirement of measures of effective security measures and speak of the broader considerations and in turn, indicate an important space for governmental intervention to curb these activities.
Okay, considering all these challenges laid before us, let’s consider specific security measures small business owners may put in place to secure their organization better.
5 Small Business Measures for Crime Prevention
Against such disturbing statistics as those highlighted by organizations like the FSB, it is plain to see that crimes affect small businesses. However, risk mitigation can greatly be achieved proactively. Here is an in-depth exploration of effective strategies that can strengthen your small business to hold off possible criminal activities.
1. Use Obvious Security Presence.
Nothing deters crime more efficiently than an obvious security presence-an approach that multi-facetedly offers protection to a business. This strategy is based on simple psychology: A potential criminal thinks twice before attempting any nefarious activity when he notices a security measure, be it in the form of personnel or physical barriers. An intensive research was conducted and showed that visible and vigilant security reduces crime rates dramatically and completely eliminates crime opportunities.
Security guards are the first line of defense for your company. Their very presence will deter theft, vandalism, and other crimes. For retail businesses, security guards may be in a position to be considered ambassadors for customer service, assisting customers; this further embeds them in the business environment and reduces their presence as being intrusive and more for the better. Mobile patrols assist in adjusting to covering an extensive area, and for larger properties or whose layout is a puzzle, it ensures all parts of the premises are covered and secure.
ZAM FM Ltd has customized security services based on each customer’s requirements. These range from placing well-trained, professional security officers at key locations and deploying mobile patrols circulating and keeping watch over other areas of the premises. By engaging the services of ZAM FM Ltd, you benefit from having access to a highly experienced manned 24/7 communications centre to monitor any situation in real time and to respond promptly in case of any security-related incident.
It is only beyond the phenomenon of preventing crime that visible security gives a feeling of safety and confidence among the clientele and employees of the business. Therefore, there is a feeling of security in knowing that measures are in place that ensure one’s safety and so an improvement in the overall business environment leading to better engagement with customers and increased productivity among employees.
2. CCTV Offers Comprehensive Coverage
Today, CCTV systems have progressed from the grainy images and poor coverage of the past. Instead, they can provide high definition to cover every corner of a business, thus eliminating the blind spots of the premises. A well-designed CCTV system is no longer a review tool after some incident has occurred but a proactive measure of security strategy in a business.
ZAM FM Ltd offers customized CCTV solutions according to the requirements of a business. We realize that every business has different needs. Whether it is about just a few cameras or multiple-location setup with a complex system, it is all different. High-definition cameras with night vision and motion sensors automatically alert you along with the security center in case of suspicious activities.
Other than preventing a crime, such an installation has other benefits in terms of a solid CCTV system. For instance, the mere presence of cameras on a property might deter a would-be criminal. For businesses, other than crime prevention, this surveillance capability is very important to play a very crucial role in the facet of monitoring productivity among the employees and compliance in terms of safety protocols, among many other instances, in even improving customer service by observing traffic patterns and customer interaction.
In cases of crime, the availability of CCTV may prove invaluable. It becomes evidence that cannot be disputed and allows for easy identification of perpetrators, leading eventually to their sentencing. In insurance claims, the evidence provides documentation in support, hence making the processes likely to favor the business.
3. A Lock & Unlock Service
More than just saving time, a lock and unlock service provides a vital layer of security to businesses, especially those operating at unconventional hours or in less secure areas. A lock and unlock service from ZAM FM Ltd ensures your business is safely closed at the end of the day and securely opens in the morning, or after any extended period of closure.
This saves entrepreneurs or the firm’s employees from being present when these activities are taking place, and there is also no risk involved like opening or closing time. It helps in maintaining security with lots of consistency compared to when human beings are employed to do it as people are prone to committing errors such as failure to lock up all access points or also forgetting to switch on the alarm system.
4. A Key Holding & Alarm Response Package Is Essential
A key holding and alarm response service is vital for any comprehensive security strategy, especially for small businesses, whose finances and human resources are unable to perform such administrative tasks. ZAM FM Ltd provides a professional key holding and rapid alarm response service that ensures alarm signal received is dealt with promptly and effectively irrespective of the time it occurs.
Key Holding Services: Holding onto an extra set of keys is not what key holding really is. It’s a secure off-site storage solution for your company keys where authorized security professionals can gain access when an alarm or other form of emergency sounds. This service removes the risks associated with having business keys on site where they could be stolen or misplaced. This also implies that in the event of an alarm raising the business owner need not expose themselves by visiting the premises personally, especially at night, or in unsafe conditions.
Alarm Response: In case an alarm is raised, response by people from the company needs to be prompt so that damage or theft is prevented. ZAM FM Ltd’s alarm response teams are trained so as to analyze and control situations effectively. In the case where an alarm is raised, regardless of whether there really is a person or just a false alarm, the response team is summoned promptly to the scene. They carry out a full security audit, note what could have caused the alarm, and reset the system when this is appropriate. In the case of alleged or proven crime, the proper officials are informed and dealt with appropriately.
Such integrated services will ensure a business owner that the premises are under constant observation, and any issues will be dealt with professionally. Furthermore, key holding and alarm response can be combined to improve the general position of security considerably so that businesses are protected not only against intrusions but also prepared to deal with incidents in an efficient manner with minimal disruption to their operations.
5. Install An Access Control System
Access control systems are part of a holistic security strategy, especially in businesses requiring the regulation of human entry and movement into facilities. ZAM FM Ltd is specialized in modern access control systems installation that applies cutting-edge technologies to secure sensitive areas from standard coded door locks to high-tech biometric systems.
Technologies involved in access control systems: Modern access control systems use various technologies. RFID tags, biometric scanners, and sophisticated encryption methods ensure access is allowed to authorized individuals only. It is also possible to integrate it with other security systems such that defense can be layered for comprehensive coverage that prevents not only unauthorized entry but also monitoring of movement within the premises.
Customization and Scalability: No two businesses are alike. Every business has some unique security needs met with its access control systems. Whether it is securing a small office or an industrial complex, the access control systems can be customized to meet the requirements. These systems can also grow with your business. You can have new areas as your business expands because these systems would not sacrifice the integrity of security as much.
Benefits Beyond Security: While access control primarily serves the function of enhancing security, operational benefits are also afforded. Improvement in management of attendance of employees through such systems and control of access of visitors to sensitive areas can be established. Such systems can even analyze access patterns and optimize business operations and safety protocol. For businesses handling sensitive information or dealing with valuable goods, it can even aid compliance with industry regulations and internal audits through detailed records of who accesses which areas.
Thus, by offering a high level of access control, business houses will be able to preserve physical assets and protect data and intellectual property under the aegis of a secure, efficient, and complaint operational environment.
Simple Small Business Security Tips To Implement Now
At ZAM FM Ltd, we understand that fully securing your small business requires not only planning ahead but also taking straightforward steps as well. Sure, an all-in security system setup is cool, but there’s a way to enhance the security of your business now.
Lock the Doors & Windows
Lock up all windows and doors. Most people overlook this step. According to statistics, the biggest percentage of theft is caused by undocked entry access points. Checking these regularly may avoid useless accesses and can also minimize the rate of occurrence.
Signage Display
Strategically placed signage can also serve as a pretty good deterrent against potential intruders, particularly if coupled with other forms of security, such as CCTV. Signs that are seen to have surveillance and penalties for trespassers can also effectively deter criminal activities at the onset.
Invest In Shutters
Shutters are not only a physical barrier to preventing burglary for retailer businesses but also act as a strong psychological deterrent. They can provide effective defense against various forms of forced entry, such as the potential reduced insurance premiums from increased safety due to low risks of theft and vandalism.
Taking the step to find a reputable security firm such as ZAM FM Ltd sets a foundation in making a safer business environment. Tailor-made solutions ensure that everything about your unique business needs is effectively dealt with and can concentrate more on growth and less on threats.
These immediate response actions are integrated with wider security measures to provide layered protection over your business, inventory, and peace of mind. Trust ZAM FM Ltd to advance the security of your business using proven and innovative solutions.
Choose ZAM FM Ltd for your bespoke security needs
ZAM FM Ltd is one of the leading providers of security services in the UK, offering high-class bespoke services tailored to meet specific needs of each client. We are committed to a bespoke security solution to ensure that your personal needs are realized with precision and professionalism.
With two decades of experience under its belt, ZAM FM Ltd has worked with thousands of small firms and emerging businesses in supporting security solutions that provide peace of mind in a number of ways – from the advanced electronic security systems to that reassuring presence from the well-trained security personnel-crafted specifically to the particular aspects of your business.
Getting to Know Your Business
Our approach starts with an extensive review of your business requirements, while keeping in mind the particulars of your premises and industry and, importantly, budgetary constraints. Such detail creates for us the possibility to develop the most relevant solution for security purposes.
Customized Security Solutions
After conducting the appraisal, we draft specific measures to be taken on various dimensions-from location and geographics to even specifying industry risks. We want to ensure that these premises are protected to the fullest, which reflects our dedication towards the safe continuation of your business.
Protection Around the Clock
We give our customers the most out of our commitment to security – 24/7/365 monitoring through our round-the-clock Communications Centre. This will thereby keep your business safe from dawn till dusk, 24/7.
Our security officers are perhaps some of the most trained in the industry to ensure a quality of service unparalleled for reliability.
For more information about how ZAM FM Ltd can assist you in protecting your company, or to request a free, obligation-free quote, contact us today. Our security experts are available to meet with you to discuss your requirements in detail and then come up with solutions to offer both peace of mind and security.