Call for better security systems as newly published crime data shows a bleak picture for businesses.
Crime continues to blight businesses according to new data from the office of national statistics (ONS). The data uses police recorded crime (PRC) and survey data from the crime survey for England and Wales (CSEW) to build a picture. Whilst each report is a snapshot, it has been collected for several years and can show longer term trends too. For example, home burglaries were at their highest in the early nineties before the widespread use of home security systems.
Call for Better Security Systems to tackle shoplifting
The latest report tells us that further records have been broken in terms of shop lifting offences. Once again there has been a 20% increase. It has been 20 years since retailers were faced with anything like this level of threat. According to retail groups, the 530,643 reported crimes are only a tiny fraction of the true number of thefts shops are seeing.
“Despite this increased risk, the current security systems of small retailers are not always sufficient to capture occurrences or the extent of crime in their stores. As a result, shop owners, workers and customers are being left vulnerable and unsafe.”
The Fed
The Federation of Independent Retailers (The Fed) is calling on the government to provide grants for businesses to invest in “better security systems”.
Can security systems deter robbers?
It’s not only Shoplifting that has seen a large rise. There was a 50% increase in robbery of business property. Robbery includes force, or threat of force, before or during a theft or attempted theft.
The Fed is campaigning for the government to provide grants to subsidise retailers “to install security measures such as CCTV, panic buttons and security alarms” in their retail premises.
They are right to highlight the need for investment in better security systems.
Intruder alarms protect premises outside of business hours. Panic buttons can call for help during an incident.
CCTV cameras have been shown to reduce crime, particularly when used together with other security measures. High quality CCTV systems. Monitored CCTV systems are found to be more effective. Research recommends that the specification of the camera should be considered. CCCTV cameras are initially a deterrent, but they are also used to capture evidence. Evidence of any incidents needs to be of a sufficient standard to be used to bring those responsible to justice.
Protect Your Business
Keybury Fire and Security design and install security systems in commercial premises. We specialist in CCTV systems and Intruder alarm systems, as well as fire alarm systems. Keybury are NSI GOLD certified, insurance approved and police compliant. As a family business we understand the importance of protecting your business. We secure businesses across Yorkshire and Lancashire from our base in Keighley. Schedule a free site survey to discuss your needs with our professional security designers. Contact our team today on 0800 458 7486 or sales@keybury.co.uk.
