Are Small Businesses More Likely to be Targeted by Burglars

 

Burglars can attack any business, but there are some that are more at risk than others. Retailers, for instance, tend to be a prime target for robbers because they have items that can be easily traded in for cash. Small businesses can also be frequent targets because they don’t always have the budgets to invest in high-tech security cameras and surveillance equipment.

Let’s take a look at some of the factors that can make your small business more likely to be targeted and what you can do to keep it safe.

What Makes Small Businesses Attractive to Burglars?

There are a handful of things that burglars look for. If your business has the following, it can be at a higher risk for theft or burglary.

• Cash register
• Products that can be turned into cash
• Evening business hours
• Few employees working
• No alarm system
• No surveillance cameras

Some of the most commonly burglarized retail stores include convenience stores, service stations, supermarkets, jewelry stores and liquor stores.

If your business does not fit the above profile, do not assume that it is safe from burglars. Criminals don’t care about who they steal from. Their intent is to get as many products as they can sell, barter or consume. While certain factors can make your business more or less attractive, there is risk to all businesses.

Employee Theft is Also a Concern

Consider that small business owners lose $25,000 to $33,000 every minute to shoplifters, according to the University of Florida National Retail Security Survey. In another survey, it was found that 64 percent of small businesses fall victim to employee theft.

Even more startling is that 95 percent of employees admit stealing from their employer. If you think that your business is exempt from theft and burglary, it’s time to think again. Think smarter, think safer.

Protecting Your Small Business

There are many steps you can take to decrease theft and burglary, but one of the best is by installing security cameras. Business surveillance cameras make all people - employees and burglars - think twice about stealing from you. If they know they can be caught on camera, it’s just not worth it.

Additional steps you can take include:

• Provide good visibility
• Install an up-to-date alarm system
• Put in lots of lighting
• Keep your property in good condition
• Post signs that prevent trespassing

When you think about how much money you can lose from theft and burglary, the cost of surveillance cameras doesn’t seem so bad, does it? To learn more about protecting your small business, contact Texas Security & Surveillance. We look out for our local businesses!