On patrol in shopping area

On patrol in shopping area

Business Safety

What is business crime?

When we talk about business crime, we include any illegal act that affects any kind of business, service or trading activity. It covers things that are done to damage the business, illegal activity by the business and crimes such as petty theft committed in the workplace.

Advice and support

Securing your premises

  • If you have a yard or car park, make sure its boundaries are clear. Try to have just one entrance, and signpost it clearly. Keep the area well lit, and remove anything that might give access to the roof.
  • Check all your door and window locks and catches regularly, and establish a routine for ensuring the building is empty before locking up. If any keys go missing, change the locks immediately.
  • During working hours, always monitor who is on the premises. Visitors should sign in, wear identification badges, and be escorted in and out of the building.
  • High value items like computers, phones or tools should be locked away when not being used. Security identification like UV or engraved markings help to deter thieves.
  • Keep the cash held on the premises to a minimum. High value items should be kept in a safe, and rooms containing expensive or important equipment should be monitored by the alarm system.
  • If you use CCTV, position the cameras so that intruders can be identified. Make sure the date and time codes are accurate, and check at least once a month that the recordings are clear.

Preventing fraud

The best way to prevent fraud is to be aware of how fraudsters work.

  • Internal business practices should be strictly adhered to. Carelessness leaves room for fraud. Dissatisfied employees are more likely to be tempted, so try to ensure that any grievances are resolved.
  • Treat computer password security seriously, and change passwords regularly. Keep antivirus software up to date, back up your data frequently and keep the backups in a safe place, preferably away from the business.
  • Ask for bank and trade references, or check credit references, when dealing with new customers. You can also protect yourself by asking for part payment in advance, or making partial deliveries with interim payments. For overseas trading, consider using a documentary credit system.
  • Be alert to money laundering. Never accept commission for channelling money through your business. The source of the money is almost certainly illegal, and the penalties are high.
  • Never give financial information to cold callers. If you or your staff are asked for financial details by phone or by an unsolicited email, or if payment is requested (or demanded) for services that you did not specifically agree to, report all the details to the police and the trading standards authorities.

How to report business crime

If you are reporting an intruder or burglar on your premises, call 999.
 
To report any burglary, suspected fraud or other criminal activity that has taken place call 101.
 
Please report any suspicious phone calls or scam emails. We only know about the latest scams if people tell us about them.

Share this page