Dark Nights - Crime Prevention Tips

Sunday 30th October 2011 marked the end of British Summer Time, as the clocks were put back an hour.

BusinessWatch would like to take the opportunity to remind you of simple steps that can be taken to protect your business now that evenings are darker, earlier.

  • Where practical, ensure that all doors and entrances to the premises are closed.
  • Fit and use good quality locks on all windows and doors.
  • Use low energy security lighting outside your property as a deterrent.
  • When leaving your premises close the curtains/blinds so that your assets cannot be viewed from the outside.
  • Use your intruder alarm if you have one, if not consider purchasing an intruder alarm to protect your premises.
  • Ensure items such as ladders and waste, which could aid an offender gain access to your premises are stored out of reach and secured.
  • Where possible park company vehicles in secure or well lit locations and ensure tools and valuables are removed from the vehicle.
  • Whenever possible ensure that staff do not leave the premises alone at the end of the day.
  • If staff are left alone in the premises during hours of darkness, ensure adequate lone worker support is provided.

If you have not done so already, consider joining in a Community Security Scheme. This is an excellent way of working with your neighbouring businesses by sharing the cost of security services and protecting your area from crime.

BusinessWatch operates several of these schemes in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, for more information on scheme areas contact BusinessWatch on 01246 212909 or email info@businesswatch.org.

If no scheme exists in your area please contact us and we can help you get one started.