Vandalism may seem like fun and games to the perpetrators, but this crime can have severe consequences for businesses. Cleaning up graffiti and repairing damaged property takes time and money, eating into the resources companies need for daily operations. However, there are ways to mitigate the fallout.
Effective Strategies You Can Use to Prevent Vandalism in Your Business
Here are five vandalism prevention strategies, from buying business liability insurance to investing in a security system.
Get Business Liability Insurance
While taking precautions is essential, you should still create a contingency plan. Business insurance helps companies keep running even in the worst-case scenarios, as claims provide the necessary funds for recovery, repairs, medical bills, and even legal expenses. Best of all, having a comprehensive policy offers peace of mind so you can focus on delivering top-quality service.
Install a Visible Security System
Installing a security system is vital to business vandalism prevention. Visible cameras often discourage would-be vandals because they don’t want to get caught. If they decide to commit a crime anyway, you’ll have their actions on tape. These images can assist in the apprehension and provide crucial evidence during a trial.
Alarms also offer benefits:
Drives vandals away
Automatically notifies police
Alerts you to an incident on your property
Some smart systems even allow you to manage features on your phone. That way, you can check on your business no matter where you are. You can even view live feeds to ensure employees are following security protocols.
Consider How the Environment Impacts Security
You already know that your store or office’s location plays a significant role in security, as some neighborhoods have a higher crime rate than others. However, did you know that the landscaping and layout also make an impact?
Heavy shrubbery makes a good hiding place, allowing vandals to approach your property unseen. Poorly lit parking lots also pose this problem. Trimming back foliage and installing motion-sensing lighting can go a long way toward discouraging would-be criminals.
You should also consider the location of exterior doors. These areas should have fencing or a security guard as additional barriers to entry. Additionally, try to avoid storing valuables in rooms with exterior windows.
Review Your Security Protocols Regularly
Every business should have closing and opening protocols that minimize the risk of vandalism. You should train all new employees on these procedures and schedule refreshers at least once a year.
Additionally, you need to review the protocols themselves. Do they accomplish what they should? Have you significantly changed operations or locations? Outdated procedures do little to protect your business, even if employees follow them to the letter. If you need help creating effective security protocols, you can hire a third-party risk assessment company to help.
Update Your Business Liability Insurance as Circumstances Change
It’s a good idea to update your policy every so often. Comparing business insurance quotes once a year ensures you’re still getting a great deal, and reviewing coverage guarantees your company stays protected.
Additionally, you should update your business liability insurance when you experience the following:
A period of sustained growth
A special event
Operational changes
Workforce changes
About Securance
From our home base in Texas, Securance serves the insurance needs of clients throughout the country and abroad. With 50-plus years as a trusted advisor to businesses, families, and individuals, we help clients safeguard their hard work and step confidently into the future knowing they are well protected.
Contact us today at (713) 977-6606.
Comments