Both, small business owners in the Chicago area and nationwide should be aware of a subtle rise in crime that may affect the safety and financial security of their businesses. Incidents of break-ins and thefts have been reported in various neighborhoods in Chicago, and it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect your establishment. In this blog post, we will share some tips to help you keep your business safe and secure.

Employee Safety

First and foremost, it’s important to prioritize the safety and security of your employees, as well as your establishment. One way to do this is to consider having at least two employees close up the business at night. This provides an extra layer of security, as having multiple employees present can deter potential criminals from attempting to break in or cause trouble. In addition, this ensures that no one is left alone to close up shop, which can be a vulnerable time for employees.

It’s also important to make sure that all cash register drawers are open and emptied before the business is closed for the night. Leaving the drawers open can signal to potential intruders that there is no cash on the premises, which can reduce the likelihood of a break-in. Additionally, if you haven’t already, consider investing in a safe; to store cash overnight. This will provide an extra layer of protection, as it can be more difficult for criminals to break into a safe than a cash register. Be sure to keep the daily bank deposit in a separate, inconspicuous location as well, to minimize the risk of theft.

Implementing these measures can help protect your business from theft and other crimes. Remember, it’s important to prioritize the safety of your employees as well. Consider providing additional training on how to handle unexpected situations, and encourage employees to be aware of their surroundings when closing up shop.

Additional Safety Measures

In addition to having multiple employees close up shop and securing cash and bank deposits, consider installing additional security measures to protect your business. As most know, monitored alarm systems can provide an added layer of protection by alerting the authorities in case of a break-in. Motion sensor lights can also be helpful, as they can illuminate any suspicious activity and potentially deter criminals. If you have an ATM on-site, a great idea is to cover it as to not be seen by potential thieves. Reinforcing doors and windows can make it more difficult for intruders to gain entry, and keeping keys in a safe location can prevent unauthorized access.

Conducting a security audit of your business can also help you identify any areas that may be vulnerable to theft or break-ins. This can include checking for potential entry points or weak spots in the building’s structure, as well as evaluating your current security measures and identifying any areas that could be improved.

It’s important to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Encourage neighboring businesses to do the same and work together to keep the community safe. Stay up to date on the latest crime trends in the area and take any necessary precautions to protect your business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, break-ins are a serious threat to the safety and financial stability of small businesses. By implementing these tips and being vigilant, you can reduce the risk of your establishment being targeted. However, it’s important to note that staying informed and updated on the latest security trends and measures is equally important.

Regularly assess your security measures and reevaluate your safety plan to identify any potential gaps and address them promptly.

Here are the takeaway tips!

1. Have at least two employees close up the business at night and make sure that all cash register drawers are open and emptied before the business is closed for the night. Consider investing in a safe to store cash overnight, and keep the daily bank deposit in a separate, inconspicuous location.
2. Remind your employees to stay alert when leaving the business, especially if they are closing up alone. Install security cameras outside the establishment to monitor any suspicious activity. If there is an ATM on-site, cover it with something if possible to deter thieves.
3. Install additional security measures such as a monitored alarm system, motion sensor lights, and reinforced doors and windows. Make sure that all entry points are secured and that any keys are kept in a safe location. Conduct a security audit of your business to identify any areas that may be vulnerable to theft or break-ins.
4. Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Encourage neighboring businesses to do the same and work together to keep the community safe. Stay up to date on the latest crime trends in the area and take any necessary precautions to protect your business.

If you have any questions or concerns about your business’s security plan, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate these challenges and ensure the safety and success of your business.

Together, we can build a stronger and more resilient small business community.