We have been providing security services to businesses and private individuals since 2005. Over the years the security landscape has changed with increasing cyber security threats. Unfortunately, businesses also face real-world security threats, and it still remains high on the threat list. Due to this reason, we explore the most common type of security breach and the way to prevent these from taking place.
Common security breaches in businesses:
1. Theft of valuable items
This is still one of the most common threats to building sites and homes. You can see the full statistics on the business crime dashboard here. There could be a weakness in the parameter which allows easy access for malicious individuals intending harm and/or theft. Businesses are particularly vulnerable in silent hours (when their premises aren’t occupied). Valuable items could be anything from electronic items, intellectual properties, tools, copper wires, etc. In the Chartered Institute of Building, it is reported 92% of companies in construction are hugely affected by petty crime and are victims of theft on a weekly basis!
2. Physical threats/ violence
In the recent 2019/20 (CSEW Crime Survey for England and Wales) report there had been 688,000 incidents of violence at work & 307,000 adults experienced violence at work too. In the chart, the CSEW shows the violence statistic in the country (below). The recent September 2022 stat hasn’t changed much since March 2022 (there is a gap due to COVID-19).
Most of the workplace violence is experienced by medical workers, followed by education, hospitality and leisure, retail, and manufacturing. A staggering 1 in 8 people has experienced violence at work according to a 2016 report published by TUC.
3. Vandalism
Vandalism is deliberate destruction of damage to public or private property. This could be defacing buildings, spray painting signage, breaking windows, etc.
Chartered Institute of Building states “It is estimated that the construction industry suffers a loss of more than £400 million a year due to vandalism and theft , although it is hard to get an accurate figure as many of these crimes go unreported.”
4. Terrorism
Terrorism is using an act of violence or threat by groups to achieve their goals. This could be to exert pressure on government and policies but reject democratic processes or even democracy itself. The threat to the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) from terrorism is SUBSTANTIAL, this was lowered from SEVERE in February 2021.
A terrorist group may target businesses to advance their political agendas or cause harm to the economy as a whole by attacking business premises.
To report an imminent threat call 999 or ring the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
To view the full study into employee thefts in the UK, click here.
5. Internal theft
According to Statista, in 2021/22, there were 5,638 thefts by an employee offense reported in England and Wales. This is quite a jump compared with 8,950 in the 2019/20 reporting year. The peak for this type of crime in the provided time was 2003/04 when there were 17,700 employee theft offenses.
Internal theft could be:
- Cash
- Supplies
- Company property
- Company and personal data
- Company time
Security solutions for businesses:
1. Access control
Invest in security measures to ensure access to the building is monitored and there is a physical barrier there to stop any perpetrators from entering. This can be anything from a PIN code in a keypad, AI-powered bio-metric identification, key card, physical security, etc. There can be multiple measures for access control, it does not need to be limited to one. This will be determined by the size of the site, the length of the assignment, and whether it is a high or low-risk project.
2. Surveillance
Whether it’s a technological solution or physical security, surveillance is one of the key solutions for a security threat, especially theft, and vandalism. CCTV will be able to record 24 hours around the clock, which is a valuable deterrent. Another solution could be an alarm system, as well as physical security personnel to respond to any emergencies. As a business, working with security providers like us ensures the risk assessment of your building/premises is carried out thoroughly. This means sufficient solutions are provided for the perceived security threats.
3. Regular training and upskilling of staff/employees
Training plays a vital part in security; regular training and workshops allow staff to have the right tools to deal with different types of situations. This will benefit both your business and employees in the long run as it builds knowledge & trust and even loyalty. Training could range from; in-house training on de-escalation, e-learning on counter-terrorism, and cyber security webinars, etc.
4. Communication in business
A security breach is likely to take place when there is a break in communication and there isn’t a clear definition of roles. This can lead to a lack of accountability and division in the workplace. There needs to be clear instructions in case of emergencies and threats as well as a clear process of escalation management. As a security company clear communication and teamwork are a vital part of our daily working lives. This ensures we keep our clients safe and their premises secure. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you, take a look at our brochure.
Related article you may be interested in: Find out 5 ways you can help prevent crime & ACT: Action counter terrorism e-learning.
