Newbury Business Today

Top 10 tips for business security

10th April 2008

Email: businessreporter@newburybusinesstoday.co.uk

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By PCSO Phil Lewis

AMONG the service improvements that have been included since I took up my post as business police community support officer last year, I am very pleased that the police can now follow up every business crime with a visit.
Of course, it would be better not to need to visit them at all. But at lest I can establish contact, offer advice for the future and, through an ongoing relationship, arrange help when it's needed, and appropriate.
All well and good – but I know the business community also wants ‘proactive’advice and support from the police and various agencies, such as the crime reduction advisor and the Safer Communities Partnership.
That way we might avoid some of these crimes taking place at all. We’re working on it, and the first place to start is in making contact.  I am receiving a warm welcome from the increasing number of businesses I am visiting. But you can contact me too,  so please do get in touch. My e-mail address is:
Philip.Lewis@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.
Meanwhile, here, courtesy of my colleague, the crime reduction advisor, is a quick checklist for your business:
1. Secure the perimeter. Check walls and fences, consider climbing risks, visibility and weak points. Are access points secure? Check car park, loading area Remove anything that will help a criminal.
2. Secure the building. Is it well maintained? Check walls, roof, doors, windows, air vents, skylights. Are access points secure? Consider climbing risks, flat roofs and visibility. Consider CCTV and mirrors, alarm (does it work and is it regularly serviced? Is it fitted to British Standard BS EN 50131?).
3. Conceal targets. Don’t leave valuables on view Consider using reflective film, window blinds.
4. Access control. Check side gates and alleys, single entry points. Ensure you know who has access? (Keys, fobs).
5. Strengthen formal surveillance. Use security guards and monitored CCTV system.
6. Assist natural surveillance Control growth of trees and bushes Check whether street lighting helps or hinders criminals. 7. People. Check staff security responsibilities, secure personal property, check identity of suppliers and ensure security for people who work alone.
8. Identify property. Mark property, ideally with 'smartwater', and put signs up, and secure property. Keep your asset list up to date. Put a security plan into place. Keep virus and firewall software updated.
9. Set rules.  Join Business Watch, which will provide you with up to date crime reduction advice as well as information of latest crimes in your area.  For further information call 01635 264718.
10. Extend guardianship. Investigate other schemes you can belong to, such as town centre and ‘shop-watch’ schemes.

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