Simple ways to protect your business from theft

When you work hard to build up a business, few things are more damaging and disheartening than experiencing a theft. This is why it is so important to do everything that you can to protect your company in the best way possible.

As well as physical theft, idea stealing and cyber crime are becoming increasing issues for companies of all kind. So, let’s run through a few simple ways that you can defend your business.

Carry out a risk assessment

The first thing that you need to do is to identify where the risks are coming from in the first place. You can do this by carrying out a full and thorough risk assessment of your premises. Work out where you are most vulnerable so you can defend these areas the most. Don’t forget, you should be doing this digitally as well as in the real world.

Secure your premises

Once you have carried out a risk assessment, the time has come to fully secure your premises. Perhaps you need to strengthen doors, install additional locks, and install burglar alarms. Maybe you even need to hire a security guard. You should also look to secure expensive equipment to floors and walls. Even though some of these represent a big expense, if you can protect your business from theft, it is something which is surely worth doing.  

Prevent employee theft

Employee theft is a major problem for all kinds of businesses. The first thing that you need to do is to check references in the hiring process. Make sure that you have clear policies about theft in place and educate all your staff members about them. Keep an inventory of stock which is likely to go missing and if you have a till on site, you should ensure that you do a regular count of your money.

Prevent information theft

Next up, we come onto information theft. All important information should be stored behind access codes. You should review who has access privileges and change your passwords on a regular basis. Your IT system security needs to be reviewed on a regular basis including things like firewalls and anti-virus software. Rather than simply throwing sensitive waste away in the bin, you need to shred it. Any important physical files should be stored in lockable filing cabinets.

Stop idea theft

The final point we are going to move onto is stopping idea theft. Only tell people who you really trust your most important ideas which have not been put into practice, and make sure you don’t reveal too much to clients. Use non-disclosure agreements to ensure that your ideas are protected. Use trademarks as and when you need them, and apply for patents if you need an idea really protecting.

So, there you have just a few simple ways that you can protect your business from theft – ideas that you can put into practice at the earliest possible opportunity.