The festive season often means a few well-deserved days off for retailers. However, this temporary closure can leave your premises vulnerable to burglaries and vandalism. According to industry reports, retail businesses see a significant spike in burglaries and break-ins during the Christmas period, as criminals target unattended properties and valuable stock. We’ve put together five simple, actionable tips to secure your property while you’re away.
1. Double-check all locks and entry points
Before closing your store or premises:
- Inspect all doors, windows, and access points to ensure they are properly locked.
- Replace any faulty or weak locks.
- Secure loading bay doors and any secondary entrances.
2. Test your alarm system
A reliable alarm system is a crucial deterrent for burglars. Before you leave:
- Test the alarm to ensure it’s fully functional.
- Check that the alarm monitoring service is active.
- Ensure all staff know how to arm and disarm the system properly.
3. Remove cash and valuables where possible
Empty your tills and remove other high-value items from the premises:
- Deposit cash at the bank or store it in a secure off-site location.
- Move portable electronics and valuable stock to a locked storage area.
- Ensure safes are locked and bolted down.
4. Keep the premises well-lit
Dark premises can attract unwanted attention. Consider:
- Leaving some internal lights on to give the appearance of occupancy.
- Using motion-activated exterior lighting to deter intruders.
- Ensuring lights around entrances and exits are functional.
5. Notify your monitoring station of any schedule changes
If you use a monitored security system, keeping your monitoring station informed is vital:
- Let them know about any changes to your opening and closing times over the holidays.
- Provide updated contact details for emergencies.
- Confirm that they have instructions on how to handle alarms triggered during the closure.
Start the new year with a security upgrade
While these tips will help keep your store safe over Christmas, a long-term security strategy is essential. When you return, consider:
- Conducting a full security audit.
- Installing additional CCTV cameras or upgrading existing systems.
- Partnering with a professional security provider for ongoing support.
Wishing you a safe and peaceful festive break!
