No matter what kind of business you run, theft can be an issue for everyone. Even if you only work online, theft can still happen. This is why one of the many jobs that business owners have to do is to be on the lookout for theft and to prevent it wherever possible. Here are some ways to do it.
Install A Firewall
It is likely that some, if not all, of your business will be conducted online, and this is great – it’s what people expect, and more and more customers prefer to buy in this way. However, it is also where problems lie when it comes to potential theft; cyber criminals can easily slip through into your network and steal important information such as card details, personal information, and banking details.
A firewall will act as a digital barrier against any malicious software that is sent towards your system. It will prevent that virus of malware getting any further, and therefore it won’t cause any damage. If you don’t have a firewall in place, you could run the risk of allowing any kind of virus into your system, at which point it will be too late to do anything about it.
Security Cameras
As well as digital protection from theft, physical protection is also important, even if you work from home. If someone were to break into your office and steal your computing equipment or your machinery, or if they were to make off with a work vehicle, what kind of impact would this have on your ability to conduct business as usual? It would probably have an extremely negative effect, and you might have to close down indefinitely.
Installing security cameras in a prominent position will act as a deterrent to most thieves. After all, why would they run the risk of breaking into premises that is covered by the cameras when they can break into somewhere that isn’t? Even if they did try to break in, you would have footage to hand to the police to identify them.
Look At Employees
Sadly, theft from a business doesn’t always come from the outside; sometimes, employees can be stealing from you too. Again, security cameras will help to show this and hopefully prevent it, but there are other things you can do too.
Firstly, get to know your employees if possible (if a large company this might be more difficult). The more you know someone, the less likely they are to steal from you. Plus, you’ll be able to see if their attitude changes. Things to look out for include someone suddenly choosing to work late or start early (when no one else is around, for example) or living outside of their means. They might be less happy to chat or shy away from you when they can. Plus, if you suggest a change in the way inventory is done or do an inventory at all, they will become nervous since you are going to discover that a theft has taken place.
Remember, if you need to dismiss anyone for theft – or any other reason, come to that – it’s wise to look into commercial door replacement to ensure they can’t come back.