Categories
What to Do After a Break-In at Your Business
August 30th, 2024
Last updated: August 30th, 2024
A break-in can be a distressing experience for any business owner. Beyond the initial shock and frustration, there’s a lot to think about: keeping any staff and customers safe as well as securing the premises, assessing the damage, and taking steps to prevent it from happening again. Here’s a guide on what to do after a break-in to help you get back on track and protect your business in the future.
1. Call the Police and Report the Incident
The first step after discovering a break-in is to call the police immediately. Reporting the crime as soon as possible is crucial for a number of reasons. The police will need to visit the scene, gather evidence, and file an official report, which is essential for any insurance claims.
As long as it is safe to do so, avoid touching anything until they arrive, as you may inadvertently destroy evidence. Follow police advice to dial 999 for emergencies or 101 for non-emergency situations. The police will provide you with a crime reference number, which you’ll need for insurance purposes.
Important: Follow the police advice every step of the way. They are the experts and know the processes to follow.
2. Assess the Damage and Secure Your Premises
Once the police have given you the go-ahead, it’s time to assess the damage. Check for signs of forced entry, broken windows, damaged doors, or any stolen items. Make a detailed list of all the damage and missing items, and take photographs for your records. This documentation will be vital when dealing with your insurance provider.
Next, secure your premises to prevent further incidents. This might involve boarding up broken windows, repairing locks, or even hiring a security guard temporarily. Consider installing additional security measures such as CCTV cameras, stronger locks, and alarm systems if you don’t already have them in place. Having a security company do an immediate review can help you understand your vulnerabilities and provide immediate protection.
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider
After you have a crime reference number and have assessed the damage, contact your insurance provider to report the break-in. Provide them with all the necessary documentation, including the crime reference number, photos, and a list of damaged or stolen items. They may send a loss adjuster to evaluate the damage, so it’s important to keep everything as you found it until they have done so.
Review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and what isn’t. If you have business interruption insurance, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income while you are unable to operate normally.
4. Inform Your Staff and Customers
It’s essential to communicate with your staff and customers about what has happened. Inform your employees about the incident, reassure them of their safety, and let them know of any changes to their working arrangements or security protocols. Be transparent with your customers as well, especially if the break-in affects your ability to serve them or if their data could potentially be at risk. Prompt communication can help maintain trust and prevent panic or misinformation.
5. Review and Strengthen Security Measures
After a break-in, it’s vital to take steps to prevent a recurrence. Consider upgrading your security measures by installing better locks, reinforced doors, or even a comprehensive alarm system. Evaluate whether it’s worth investing in more advanced solutions like CCTV, motion detectors, or even more secure locks on the doors. Make sure that all entry points are secure and consider using shutters or grilles for added protection.
For digital security, ensure all sensitive data is securely stored and that your cyber defences are up to date. If sensitive data has been stolen, you may need to inform the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK to remain compliant with GDPR regulations.
6. Learn from the Incident
Use the experience as a learning opportunity. Review what happened and consider what could have been done differently. Was there a security lapse that could be improved? Could employee training be enhanced?
Understanding the lessons from a break-in can help you be better prepared for the future.
Conclusion: Moving Forward After a Break-In
A break-in can feel like a major setback, but with the right steps, you can recover and come back stronger. Acting quickly, communicating clearly, and investing in improved security measures will help protect your business and rebuild trust with your staff and customers. By learning from the experience and staying vigilant, you can reduce the risk of future incidents and continue to thrive.
Taking swift, decisive action after a break-in is crucial to getting your business back on track and safeguarding its future. Here at Robinsons Facilities Services, we’re always happy to help with advice on security measures and keeping your business secure. Contact us for maintenance or for help securing your premises.
How to Prepare Your Commercial Building for Winter
We don’t always want to think about winter, especially when the sun is out outside, but as the winter months approach in the UK, it’s crucial for commercial building owners and managers to start preparing their properties for the colder weather.
Winter can bring a host of challenges, from freezing temperatures and heavy snow to icy conditions, all of which can impact the efficiency (and safety) of a building. A little preparation can go a long way in avoiding potential problems and ensuring that your building is ready to handle whatever winter throws its way.
Here are some essential tips to help you prepare your commercial building for winter.
Read moreUK Fire Alarm Testing Regulations and Testing
Fire alarm systems are a critical part of safety protocols in commercial buildings across the UK, ensuring that both occupants and emergency services can be promptly alerted in the event of a fire.
Many people who work in a commercial building will already be aware of the fact that there are regular weekly tests to ensure they’re working (these can be loud). Fire alarm testing is essential.
In fact, proper maintenance and regular testing of these systems are not just best practices; they are legal requirements. UK fire alarm testing regulations are clear on the need for regular checks to ensure that systems function correctly. Understanding these regulations, as well as implementing best practices, is essential for building owners and managers.
Read moreHow Long Do Commercial Roofs Last?
How often do you think about your roof? The chances are, it doesn’t cross your mind until there is a problem such as a leak. However, you should occasionally think about your roofing and how long commercial roofs last to ensure that you have properly planned ahead and you know when it might be approaching the time to replace.
Like all parts of a building, roofs have a limited lifespan. Understanding how long a commercial roof lasts and the factors that influence its longevity can help businesses plan for maintenance and replacements effectively. Let’s dive into the different types of commercial roofing and their predicted lifespans. Of course, this can vary depending on many factors, and we’ll also look at some of the things that can impact roofing such as repairs and potential problems and breakages.
Read more
