Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the UK economy, but they’re also a prime target for criminals. Business owners often focus on day-to-day operations and finances, but ignoring the threat of crime can lead to significant financial losses, stress, and disruption. Understanding the common crimes and their real impact is the first step toward building a resilient business.
Common Crimes Against UK Businesses
The threat of crime isn’t just a worst-case scenario; it’s a statistical reality. According to the Office for National Statistics’ 2023 Commercial Victimisation Survey, an estimated 26% of all business premises in England and Wales were a victim of crime within a 12-month period. That means over a quarter of businesses faced a security incident.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common crimes and their consequences:
- Theft and Burglary: These are the most prevalent crimes. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reports that 81% of small businesses have experienced at least one crime in the last two years, with theft and burglary being major culprits. The average cost of a burglary for an SME can be over £2,000, which includes not only stolen goods but also property damage and lost working hours. More than one in ten businesses that experienced a traditional crime faced losses of over £10,000.
- Vandalism: The ONS survey found that 8% of businesses experienced vandalism. While this may seem less severe than theft, it can lead to costly repairs, a negative impact on your brand’s reputation, and a feeling of insecurity for both staff and customers.
- Assaults or Threats: Unfortunately, violence against staff is a real issue. The ONS reports that 7% of businesses experienced assaults or threats against employees. These incidents can have a profound impact on staff morale, well-being, and a business’s legal duty of care, leading to potential liability issues.
Criminal acts against small businesses act as a barrier to their growth and innovation
Why DIY Security Doesn’t Cut It!
Many SMEs try to manage their security themselves by designating an employee as the key holder. While this seems like a cost-saver, it can create more problems than it solves.
- Risk to Employees: Asking a staff member to respond to a late-night alarm puts them in a vulnerable and potentially dangerous situation. They are not trained security professionals and may not be equipped to handle an active crime scene, a fire, or a faulty alarm. This can lead to serious legal and moral liabilities for your business.
- Stress and Disruption: A late-night call-out is stressful and disruptive. Your employee will lose sleep, affecting their productivity the next day. The stress of being on-call can lead to burnout and high staff turnover.
- Delayed Response: Every second counts during an alarm activation. A professional security partner, like Radius Security, operates a rapid-response service with local teams ready to act immediately. A delayed response from an employee could mean more damage, more stolen goods, and a longer interruption to your business.
The Professional Solution: Peace of Mind in a Box
Partnering with a professional security company provides a complete solution that protects your business, your assets, and your people.
- Swift and Secure Response: With a professional key holding service, trained and accredited security guards are on standby 24/7. When an alarm is triggered, they respond immediately, assess the situation, and if necessary, contact the police or other emergency services. This eliminates the need for your staff to ever put themselves in harm’s way.
- Access Control: Should an alarm be a false one, your security partner can reset the alarm system and re-secure the building. If a window has been smashed, they can arrange for a glazier to make the building secure again, ensuring that access is protected even when you are unavailable.
- Reduces Stress: Knowing that a team of professionals is on hand to deal with any situation allows you to switch off and focus on what’s important. No more sleepless nights or worrying about what a late-night call could mean for your business.
Summary
The statistics don’t lie: crime is a very real threat to SMEs.
The most effective way to combat this risk is by having a robust security strategy in place. By partnering with a professional security service, you’re not just buying a service; you’re investing in peace of mind, business continuity, and the safety of your people.
