Crime Prevention Basics: 5 Simple Ways to Make Your Business a Harder Target
Running a business in the UK today means being realistic about crime. It’s not just something that happens to “other people.” Theft, vandalism, break-ins—these aren’t rare. But the good news is that most criminals look for easy wins. If your business looks like work, they’ll usually move on.
Here are five straightforward steps you can take right now to make your business a tougher target.
1. Light It Up
Criminals don’t like being seen. Make sure your premises—especially entrances, exits, and loading areas—are well-lit at night. Motion-activated lighting can be a cheap but effective deterrent, especially in alleyways or side entrances.
2. Keep It Clean
A tidy exterior sends a message that the building is cared for and likely monitored. Graffiti, broken signage, or old flyers in the window can make your business look neglected—and that’s often interpreted as an easy mark.
3. Review Your CCTV
If you’ve got cameras, make sure they’re actually working and pointed in the right direction. Clean the lenses. Check that your footage is recording properly and stored securely. More and more business owners are upgrading to cloud-based or AI-supported systems in 2025, but even basic CCTV is better than nothing—if it works.
4. Train Your Staff
Staff are your eyes and ears. Make sure they know what suspicious behaviour looks like and how to respond. Do they know what to do during a theft, or how to report it after? A quick 15-minute refresher can go a long way.
5. Don’t Advertise Vulnerabilities
Leaving notes on doors like “Back in 10 minutes” or keeping valuables in plain sight can invite trouble. Be mindful of what your business is telling people when it’s closed—or when no one’s looking.
Final Thought
You don’t need to turn your shop into a fortress. You just need to look like a tougher target than the next place down the road. Prevention isn’t about spending thousands—it’s about smart habits, consistency, and a little bit of planning.
We’ll keep sharing practical tips like these, so you can focus on running your business—with fewer nasty surprises.