Criminals hit 1 in 2 retailers: is your business safe?

NRMA
15 November 2007

Over one in two retail businesses have experienced crime, while a half of those were burgled, according to a new small business survey*.
Fear of crime in the industry is even more pronounced - the survey found that 84 per cent of retailers expected to experience crime at some stage. Yet there are some simple things all businesses can do to help reduce the likelihood of them becoming a crime victim.

* Content supplied by NRMA *

Head of NRMA Business Insurance, Llewellyn Jones said "Installing deadlocks and keyed window locks are the most important security measure any business can take. They not only help stop thieves getting into your premises, they also help prevent thieves from easily removing goods if they do break in."

Mr Jones said some people mistakenly avoided installing deadlocks because they were concerned they would stop them getting out of the building in the event of a fire.

"But there are deadlocks readily available that you can deactivate when you are in the premises enabling you to open the door without a key in an emergency," he said.

Mr Jones said that while it was important to take sensible precautions against theft, it was just as important to make sure your business has the right insurance cover to meet your needs should their be an incident.

"Our research shows that 47 percent of businesses have not adequately insured their stock and contents," he said.

"Many have their stock and contents valued at depreciated levels when it will cost them more than that to replace these assets, while many also forget the additional costs of making the replacement."

As one of Australia's leading insurers, NRMA knows that theft not only has an immediate cost on a business but also affects employee morale.That's why the company is supporting the free BizSafe seminars for local businesses in NSW and QLD

About BizSafe Seminars

BizSafe is a NSW Police Crime Prevention program supported by NRMA Business Insurance, and the seminar is free. The program is all about increasing awareness of effective crime prevention principals and fostering good working relationships between local businesses and Police.

The seminar will provide you with accurate information on the types of crime prevalent in your area and will offer valuable skills, tools and strategies to help you combat and reduce it at your business. It will also include fact sheets on how to reduce your risks and some sample warning signs.

Business security tips

Install deadlocks and where possible, window locks
Consider fitting physical barriers such as grilles and bars to your windows and bollards to prevent a vehicle entering the business's driveway
Install an alarm system, preferably one that can be monitored offsite
Don't leave tools around that can help a thief break in
Install perimeter lighting in vulnerable areas - motion sensor lighting can keep the electricity bill down
Keep safes and valuables out of view
Keep an up-to-date record of stock and receipts in case you need to lodge a claim
Back up computer records on a regular basis and keep a copy offsite
Security mark your computer/s and other valuable equipment

*The Omnibus Small Business survey conducted in February 2007 found that of the 161 Retailers interviewed: