We are seeing an increase in business burglaries across the Borough. This is mainly due to the fact that that most establishments are closed and unattended. Please ensure that you have removed cash and valuables from your business premises where ever possible. Currently tools and power tools are being targeted and we are unsure where these are being sold on. As they are tools of peoples’ trades , please do not buy these type of tools if offered as this will only encourage further theft. As the lockdown continues, the concern is that items such as laptops, mobile phones and pharmaceuticals could become more of a target. If you have any information for the police to act upon, please let us know via 101 or crime stoppers 0800 555 1111.
The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) represents police forces working in partnership with the business community to tackle crimes against businesses and offer the following advice.
Closed Premises/Venues that have been temporarily shut
• Test your alarm, ensure it is monitored and fully operational.
• Identify any vulnerable areas. Rectify these. Ensure security gates, bollards and fire exit doors have been secured prior to closure of the premises.
• Ensure service doors are closed and locked when not in use.
• Make sure you have list of key holders who can be contacted in times of emergency.
• Ensure your contact details for staff are up to date.
• Consider moving high value items into secured stockrooms and out of view.
• Ensure keys to the premises or other venues are not left inside and are instead with dedicated key holders.
• Consider timer switches or ensure sufficient lighting is left on at the premises/surrounding area.
• Ensure there are no combustible materials left in the proximity of the building such as packaging – consider the risk of arson.
• Review your CCTV to confirm it is operational, provides good quality images and is positioned to cover as much of the stores public and private areas. You may wish to consider a mobile phone app that allows connectivity and a vocal capacity to engage with any intruder.
• Ensure that no cash is retained on the premises overnight (leave a note on the door stating that no cash or valuables are kept overnight) or store in a security accredited safe bolted to the floor.
Physical Protective Measures
Secure by Design products – use security rated products where possible (www.securedbydesign.com)
• External shutters are recommended but some buildings may be subject to planning approval before installation
• Ensure all doors leading from public to staff arteries-loading areas etc. are kept secure and monitored.
• Laminated glass or security film that can be applied to existing glass to make it more resistant to a physical assault. Shutters and grilles (subject to planning regulations may also be a consideration)
• An insurance rated safe should be bolted to the floor. Anti-tamper sensors can be fitted to set off an alarm if attacked.
• Anti-ram security tested raider retractable bollards can be mounted externally to protect frontages but may require planning approval.
• Consider use of anti-theft alarms on most desirable household items.
• Fogging devices that activate as a result of an intruder activation may also be beneficial – you can’t steal what you can’t see.
Go to www.nbcc.police.uk for more information on reducing business crime.
Kind regards
Maxine Cilia, Borough Commander, Borough of Spelthorne
