A key part of keeping your business safe is taking steps to reduce your risks. The following advice will help to make your business more secure and deter burglars from targeting your property.  

1. Ensure your business has a well-maintained exterior free of rubbish and graffiti. This will reduce the likelihood of your business being targeted by criminals. 

2. Identify areas that may be vulnerable to forced entry and have them made more secure.

3. Make sure any service doors are locked and secure when not in use.

4. Make use of monitored alarm systems ensuring that it’s fully operational. 

5. Make sure your CCTV is operational, provides facial recognition as well as good quality images and covers any vulnerable areas. Check there aren’t any blind spots. 

6. Make sure that wheelie bins are stored away as these can be climbed on to gain access to the building, especially via the first floor.

7. Make sure there is sufficient lighting around the premises, especially in loading areas.

8. Consider moving high-value goods away from display windows overnight.

9. Prune any overgrown bushes or nearby trees, as they can provide cover for anyone trying to hide from view.

10. Doors and windows are particularly vulnerable – use security-rated products to make them more burglar-resistant. For more details visit Secure by Design.

11. External shutters, although effective, may require planning approval however internal shutters do not and can deter intruders. Use attack-resistant laminated glass in sturdy frames where possible. Alternatively, film can be applied to glass to make it more resilient. 

12. Anti-ram raider bollards mounted externally can be used to protect frontages but may require planning approval.

13. Try not to keep cash on the premises and always use a bolted-down safe with a time lock and anti-tamper sensors that trigger an alarm.

14. Make sure stockrooms are locked and, where possible, keep stock out of sight.

15. Smoke-generating devices that activate on unauthorised entry create a smokescreen and foil burglary. They're designed not to damage stock.

16. Make sure your keys are not left on the premises and that only designated staff have access. In case of emergency, make sure there’s a list of keyholders who can be contacted.

More information and advice on how you can protect your business can be found via the Staffordshire Police Website or the National Business Crime Centre