That’s the message from workplace equipment supplier Slingsby, which has compiled a checklist to help businesses avoid burglaries.
“Over the festive season, commercial premises will often be empty for long periods and can therefore be attractive to criminals,” says Lee Wright, Slingsby’s group sales and marketing director.
“Many burglars are opportunists, so workplaces should try to make themselves as unattractive to thieves as possible.”
When locking up premises, he says, businesses should ensure all external lighting is working and that it is programmed to come on every night. Make sure any signage highlighting security measures is clean and visible, and ensure rubbish is cleared and doesn’t contain anything that could help a would-be thief to break in.
Other points include removing valuables or locking them away; ensure alarms are turned on; cancel any deliveries that may arrive during the period; and, if external security is used, check the frequency of site visits and who they will contact in an emergency.