Risk Management: Theft and Vandalism

Intense words: Burglary, robbery, and vandalism. These words make the hair on the back of your neck stand at attention, to the point where they may fall off. Yes, that would mean one less place to wax or shave, but it’s also not great news for your stress levels or the fact that it will result in binge eating or stress jogging. One of those doesn’t sound that problematic, but at any rate, coping mechanisms are not where you want to find a daily cardio routine. How does one get the upper hand and jump three steps ahead of vandals and burglars? Burglars sound a bit like a fancy British thief who grabs small knick-knacks because his father was a jewel thief and doesn’t steal such big game but inherited his father’s dexterity and talent for thievery. There are certain ways that you can exercise burglary, robbery, and vandalism prevention. The root of understanding the difference between burglary and robbery, as these terms are similar but not synonymous. Also, vandalism would be good to understand to move into figuring out becoming averse to it.

Burglary: A burglary is when someone enters a place without permission with the intent to commit a crime. This “crime” does not always involve theft and does not necessarily mean causing harm to another person.

Robbery: This involves theft, or taking someone else’s property via fear, violence or assault, and force.

Vandalism: An action involving the deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property.

The best ways to establish “burglary” prevention as a business owner or leader are:

1. Establishment and enforcement of policies and procedures about theft, substance abuse, reporting of crime, and proper opening and closing procedures, as well as other security procedures.
2. Updating safe, lock, and alarm systems on a regular basis, as well as changing codes and keys on a regular basis.
   • Also, updating all system keys, procedures, and codes after an employee change occurs.
3. Engraving and labeling all equipment and valuable tools with your company’s information and contact resources.
4. Fortifying outside entrances and security doors, using deadbolt locks where necessary.
   • Ensure that your employees have a well-lit pathway so that they can easily walk safely to their vehicles or their intended exits.
5. If you have a safe it should be fireproof, and when it is empty should be left open, as well as any cash registers or payment systems.

Avoiding a robbery is another process:

1. Robbery is not as common as other crimes, but when it does happen preventing loss of life is essential. If confronted by a robber you should cooperate with them.
   • Cash and merchandise can be replaced, customer and employee loss can’t.
2. Ascertain that every person who comes into your business is greeted the same way, in a friendly manner, “robbers” included.
   • It is estimated that personal contact can dissuade a potential robber.
3. Ensure that windows and doorways are clear of any signage and that all areas are well-lit, eliminating blind spots from the exterior of your business.
4. Ensuring that your business is clearly visible from the exterior of your business and that the number is easily identifiable and your address is viewed from street level, allowing all emergency responders and vehicles can find your business easily to avoid loss of time.
5. If you have friends or family within law enforcement you should ask them what the best security systems, locks, and measures you should invest in to protect you, your clients, and your employees.

How to evade vandalism:

1. Using outdoor design and lighting or fencing in areas around your property could help you avoid vandalism.
2. Ensuring to have a plan to clean up after documentation of the vandalism, and filing a police report.
3. Make a procedure that your staff uses to report suspicious behavior or anything that seems like it could be a prelude to vandalism.

When your privacy and property have been violated by theft, burglary, or vandalism the team at Gables Insurance Recovery will represent you throughout the process to ensure fair compensation of your claim.