Is Your Business at Risk for Theft?

It’s an unfortunate reality. Theft is one of the most prevalent threats for business and homeowners alike. Certain times of the year present more of a risk than others, as burglaries and thefts spike in the summer months and during the holiday season. Although a theft or burglary can happen to any business, there are some businesses that are larger targets for criminals. 

As a business owner, you might be wondering what you can do to protect yourself and keep your business safe from these kinds of crimes. The best way to prevent a crime is to arm yourself with information. It is vital that you understand the level of risk for your specific business. 

Once you have assessed your risk, you can begin to put a robust security plan in place. If that plan includes live security guards, solicit the services of a reputable security guard company like Off Duty Officers to help you evaluate your needs and provide you with top-notch, professional security guards. 

Theft vs. Burglary: What’s the Difference? 

The crimes of theft and burglary are often used synonymously. However, there are subtle differences that make them two different crimes. Theft, also called larceny, refers to the taking of money or goods without the consent of the owner. For a theft to be committed, the property must actually be taken from the owner. 

Burglary involves entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime. Even if the perpetrator does not actually take any property, they can still be charged with burglary. Robbery is a similar crime; however, this crime refers to more violent attacks where a perpetrator may use force to take property from the victim. 

Which Businesses are at Risk for Theft and Burglary?

Is your business at a higher risk for theft or burglary? Many business owners hope that these types of crimes won’t happen to them. But, any business can be a target. Statistics show that there are some businesses that experience more crime than others. If you own or operate one of the businesses mentioned below, it might be time to consider beefing up your security programs to better protect your valuable business assets. After all, a theft of any size can have a major impact on your bottom line and peace of mind. 

Statistically, retail establishments and restaurants are some of the most frequently targeted businesses. Gas stations and convenience stores also top the list. There are several reasons why these businesses may be easier targets for criminals. Often, these kinds of establishments have many smaller items that can be easily hidden in a bag or under a coat. Employee theft is another major concern in retail establishments. No matter how diligent employers are in their hiring processes, it is not always possible to detect when a potential employee is a thief. 

These businesses may also have less robust security systems in place. For example, they may have security cameras but lack live guards that can take preventative measures or react to a crime as it occurs. Even if they do have cameras, it is an unfortunate reality that very often the security cameras are non-functioning. Some of these businesses may employ younger or less experienced workers who may be unaware of the signs of a potential thief. 

How Can You Protect Your Business? 

All businesses have unique security needs. What works for one business, may not be the best solution for another. If you’ve determined that your business may be at a higher risk, the next step is to work with a company to help you determine the most effective security solutions for your business and your budget. Large retail businesses may have the need and budget for a more advanced security program; whereas smaller businesses may benefit from an unarmed guard or mobile patrol. 

If you are unsure which solutions are right for you, work with a security company that knows how to protect your business. Off Duty Officers has been providing professionally trained and certified live security guards to clients across all industries for over 25 years. We understand the threats that your business faces and can provide you with customized solutions that will meet your needs. Businesses of every size have trusted Off Duty Officers to provide experienced, reliable and honest security guards. 

Off Duty Officers – Protecting Your Business from Theft

Does your business need protection against theft and burglary? Call Off Duty Officers today to learn more about our security guard services. Our security specialists can help you evaluate your needs and prepare a comprehensive security program that will meet your needs. Serving clients across the nation, make Off Duty Officers your partner in security today.