With the festive season approaching it is not just residential crime that is a concern. Business-related crimes continue unabated and any business keeping large amounts of cash on the premises presents a definite risk for everyone working there.
Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group, encourages business owners to brief their staff and be extra-vigilant.
“At this time of year it is not uncommon to see criminals enter a business posing as a customer or delivery supplier and then proceed to hold staff at gunpoint,” he said. “We also continue to see businesses being targeted at opening and closing times. If they know there is something worthwhile to take, a small window of opportunity, such as when a staff member is vulnerable, is all criminals need. To avoid being targeted, business owners need to prioritise safety and put security in place that is linked to an armed response service.”
Bartmann said there are six top priorities to consider to keep your business safe:
Control access: It is very important that businesses, as far as possible, ensure there is some form of controlled access. “A locked security gate can provide you with a vital few minutes to evaluate a situation before the suspects are actually in the premises,” Bartmann said. “If you feel something is not right, don’t open the gate.”
Make sure all staff know the safety drills: Ensure staff are adequately briefed on security measures and remain vigilant about making a conscious effort to keep their workplace safe. Staff should carry panic buttons at all times and not hesitate to use them if they see something or someone suspicious.
Lock-up in pairs: Ideally, at least two people should be tasked with locking the business up and ensuring the premises are secure at the end of the day.
Do not keep large amounts of cash on site:It is not advisable to withdraw large amounts of cash from the bank or keep large amounts of cash on site. Ensure you have a regular collection of your cash so your loss, in case of an incident, is minimal.
Check your perimeter security:Now is also the opportune time to check your perimeter security and have any vulnerable areas reinforced. Start with your fence, wall and gate. Check there are no overhanging trees or bushes that could be used to access the property. Ensure your gate is secured so it can’t be lifted from the hinges or put into manual overdrive easily. We’d also highly recommend investing in beams that cover the outer perimeter. Beams provide an instant alert should intruders get through the perimeter security.
Test your alarm system regularly:Just like residential properties, businesses should also test their alarm systems are working before the festive season hits.
“If you suspect there is a fault, arrange for a technician to visit the site sooner rather than later,” Bartmann said. “If you are closing up your business over the December break, ensure the property is secured and alarms are set.
“Ensure the contact person on your business security profile is available should there be an alarm activation. You may also want to consider a guard to keep an eye on the property over the holidays. Make sure to book a guard early as it is a popular time for incidents.
“Criminals will no doubt be doing their ‘shopping’ in the coming weeks. However, if all staff are vigilant and alert to potential risks they can avoid becoming a statistic.
“Remember, criminals will take any gap, so good security starts with your perimeter and should be peeled back, like the layers of an onion, including parking, entrance and interior. Have an expert assist in a security system check and provide a risk assessment.”
