Certain businesses are more at-risk than others for break-ins and theft. The presence of security guards – during and after store hours – greatly reduces attempts at burglary and theft.
Though a determined criminal will not be deterred by much, most are looking for easy ways in or are targeting specific characteristics. Below are some of the characteristics of businesses that are vulnerable to break-ins.
Stores that sell the top stolen products
While shoplifters focus on items they can sneak out of open stores, burglars specifically aim for bigger or more expensive things, and take them in much larger quantities.
The most-stolen items fall into these categories:
- Health and beauty – cosmetics, razors, lotions, pregnancy tests, electric toothbrushes, diabetic supplies
- Medications – particularly allergy medicine, diet pills, pain relievers
- Infant formula
- Meat and cheese
- Tobacco products – cigarettes are the most targeted
- Liquor – high-end brands are especially targeted
- Electronics – includes digital cameras, games, smartphones, tablets and laptops, as well as larger items like TVs and gaming systems
- Designer items – designer clothes and handbags
Businesses that provide professional services
This may sound like a general description of many businesses. However, what criminals are targeting are office goods. Businesses that provide professional services generally have an array of office supplies and machinery. Everything from typical office equipment to high-tech devices are highly coveted.
Medical or dental offices, or businesses carrying medical supplies
Medical supplies can be used as drug paraphernalia or easily redistributed. Expensive items have high resale value on the black market. Because of this, medical supplies are often targeted, particularly by those with drug or alcohol habits, as are the pharmaceuticals often found in these businesses.
Businesses adjoined to abandoned or unkempt stores
Security flaws in adjacent properties affect your business. After breaking into an unmaintained property through a broken lock or unsecured window, an offender can then break into property through the wall or through an unsecured connecting door.
Buildings with large windows
Windows are easy ways in, and they allow a good view of what’s inside. This is a highly attractive prospect to those looking to steal products and supplies. Large windows are targeted by smash-and-grabbers and ram-raiders – those who crash vehicles into walls or windows of stores in order to steal what’s inside.
Get security audits regularly
Don’t forget, security guard companies are a great resource for security audits of your organization. Get a professional opinion on whether your business or facility is safe from unauthorized entry.