Businesses Advised to Know Their Vulnerabilities to Combat Burglary
Businesses are being advised to know their vulnerabilities after being given advice on how and when they are most likely to be targeted by burglars.
The riskiest time of the week is early Monday morning from midnight until 4am, while the most common form of entry for thieves is breaking the locks on doors.
Addressing members of the Independent Business Advisory Group (IBAG), which was set up by David Lloyd the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, Chief Inspector Jason Keane explained how firms can prevent themselves becoming victims.
Business burglary makes up a fifth of all burglary cases recorded in Hertfordshire, but with an average of just two business burglaries a day the rate is still below the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
In the past year across the county, Dacorum, Hertsmere and Welwyn Hatfield have the highest recorded number of business burglaries, with Three Rivers, Broxbourne and Stevenage having the lowest. But these figures are reflected in the size of the areas covered and the numbers of business in each one.
Mondays, followed by Saturdays and Sundays are the riskiest days due to a combination of quiet locations over the weekend, shops taking in more money, and a high volume of reports at the start of the working week. Late at night and early mornings are the time burglars are most likely to strike, but there is also a spike from 5pm-7pm.
When it comes to methods of gaining entry, doors are the weakest point with most having the lock damaged, or door smashed or forced. This is followed by windows being smashed or forced and shoplifting where they have jumped the counter or distracted the staff.
High street shops, food and drink outlets, garages and schools are the types of premises most prone to break-ins.
Chief Inspector Keane said: ‘Business burglary remains low in Hertfordshire and remains less than pre-pandemic levels. Steps firms can take to mitigate the risk of loss include ensuring they have a monitored and operating alarm system; to install and review CCTV systems to ensure they provide good quality images; and to not leave cash in the premises overnight.
‘There are business crime specialists available to visit companies and shops, they can offer bespoke advice on how best to reduce the chances of being targeted.’
IBAG Chairperson Jeremy Bishop, who is also Chairperson of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, added: ‘It’s important that businesses know their vulnerabilities in terms of when and how they may become the victims of burglary.
‘The cost is not just the value to stock or money stolen, but also the time and funds needed to make repairs and the negative effect on staff morale. Following the advice offered by the police can go a long way to protecting your business, and there is extra advice available for those who ask for it.’
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner established IBAG so a range of businesses from sectors such as the rural community, retail, leisure, technology and professional services along with representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) can discuss key issues around business crime.
They also work together to share best practise to reduce and prevent business crime across the county. To find out more details about IBAG or to join please visit www.hertscommissioner.org/listening-and-responding/commerciality.