We are currently experiencing an increase in repeat housebreakings to businesses in your area.
The following tips could help prevent your business from becoming one of them:

• Ensure your locks are tested to British Standard.
• Window locks should be fitted where appropriate.
• Always remove cash from premises at close of business.
• Display a sign prominently on the door of the premises out with business hours advising
potential thieves that no cash is held on the premises.
• Do not leave cash in the till on the shop floor out with business hours.
• If your till point is visible from outside the shop, leave it lying open with the empty till tray on view.
• Remove valuable items from window displays at close of business to discourage ‘Smash and Grab’ thefts.
• Laptop computers and mobile phones are favourite housebreaking targets. These should be locked away or removed from the premises at close of business.
• Consider investing in a safe for storage of cash and valuables. A safe should be securely fixed to the fabric of the building and should only be used for short-term storage of cash.
• Consider installing an intruder alarm system. More information can be found on alarm systems and monitoring at www.nsi.org.uk
• Consider the installation of internal/external security shutters.

If you are broken into it is imperative that you re-secure your property quickly and robustly to
prevent another intrusion. Simply boarding over a broken window may not be sufficient to protect
your property from further attack. If you are broken into, we recommend that you follow this
guidance as soon as possible:

• Phone 101 to report to local Police.
• Arrange for replacement glass as a matter of urgency, this may take time to order, deliver and fit.
• Arrange for the window or door to be securely boarded whilst awaiting replacement glazing.
• Don’t remove remaining glass from the frame until replacement glass is ready to be fitted, this can act as a deterrent.
• Remove all valuable stock and cash from the premises until the proper security is fully reinstated.

For further business security advice visit www.crimereduction.gov.uk/yourbusiness