As Christmas approaches, the UK's small businesses are leaving themselves wide open to crime and assault, a study by small business insurer Zurich has found.
Nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of over a thousand small business owners questioned by Zurich take cash to the bank every day, with 43 per cent using the same route and 10 per cent going at the same time. Nearly one in three (28 per cent) say that winter, and especially Christmas, is the time they expect to be hit by crime. So, with one in five having more than £500 in cash on the premises at any one time, small businesses may run the risk of being targeted by thieves if they follow the same route to the bank at the same time every day.
Small business owners are increasingly worried about crime with just over 20 per cent reporting the prospect causes them added stress. Over half reported that crime had generally increased over the last year, to the extent that more than one in three owners (38 per cent) fear physical assault or armed robbery.
Ex-offender Bob Turney, now a respected security expert, said, "As Christmas approaches, shops are taking more money and need to be aware that they could increasingly becoming targets for the opportunist thief.
"Criminals are becoming bolder in their activities, and they are turning to what they believe to be softer and vulnerable targets such as small shops, where they believe there is a high turnover of cash, particularly at this time of year. The core belief of most thieves is that most security is minimal, and all that it needs is for a person to walk in, snatch the money and leave. It could all be over in just a few moments!"
David Nichols, Zurich Commercial's Head of Package Business said, "We urge all small businesses to take a few minutes to consider about what measures they can take to protect themselves against crime. Vary when you go to the bank, look at different route options; just don't become a creature of habit!'
Crime Prevention Tips for small businesses:
- If you do bank your takings every day, vary the time and route, but also, if possible, the member of staff doing so.
- Consider installing shop front grills and improving your locks - most crime is opportunistic, so try to remove the opportunity.
- Consider installing CCTV so potential perpetrators are aware that they are being monitored whilst in the shop.
- Make sure that your staff are visible at all times; the more people in the shop, the greater the deterrent for an opportunist robber.
- Leave a notice in full view saying that the cash registers are emptied each hour and that cash is not kept on the premises over night.
- Make sure you lock up and alarm the property when you leave.
- Think about where you can get support in understanding and preventing crime. For example, contact your local authority, the police or visit www.crimereduction.co.uk to see what practical steps you can take to prevent crime.
Bob Turney concludes, "A thief's greatest weapon is the element of surprise. By taking a few easy precautions you take away that weapon and send out a clear message that you are prepared for all eventualities."
More information from:
Keith Lewis, Zurich Financial Services
Tel: 01489 561708 or 07875 885 284
E-mail: keith.lewis@uk.zurich.com
Bob Turney can be contacted on:
07930 352302
Notes to Editors:
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 55,000 people serving customers in more than 120 countries.
