5 Tips for Small Businesses to Prevent Theft
Theft is
a huge problem for small businesses – and unlike large corporations that can
absorb theft more easily, largescale theft can cause vulnerable businesses
serious financial difficulties. Business theft is on the rise. This includes
incidents where items are stolen from a workplace, as well as the theft of
intangible goods, such as intellectual property.
Prevention
is always better than dealing with theft after it has taken place, so here are five
tips to help your small business prevent theft.
Only Hire Trustworthy
Employees
Never
assume an employee is honest. Most are, but some bad apples will always slip
through the net if you don’t check references. Make sure your hiring procedures
include rigorous checks and always follow
up references. This may seem like teaching you how to suck eggs, but it is a
very important point nonetheless. Tougher, more through hiring processes will
ensure you get the right members of staff for your team.
On-Site Security
On-site
security is always important, but it’s even more critical if you keep stock,
equipment and machinery stored at your workplace. Even computers and IT
equipment are vulnerable to theft, so protect your assets at all times.
Security
fencing, secure entrance/exit points, key holding and remote CCTV monitoring should be
implemented as standard. This will deter most opportunist thieves and dishonest
employees. If you want to take it one step extra, consider hiring a security
guard or mobile security services detail.
Manage Inventory
It’s
hard to know if you’re the target of a thief if you don’t have a clue what
stock you carry. Tighten up your inventory checks so you always know what stock
the business has. Implement IT systems to manage and update inventory each time
you make a sale.
Finance Audits
Financial
fraud and theft can sink a business. All it takes is one mis-laid password and
your business could be in ruins. You might trust your employees, particularly
those with access to the company chequebook,
but it makes sense to run regular checks on the books, just in case. Always
update your passwords on a frequent basis too!
Online Theft Prevention
Don’t
ignore the dangers of online theft. Online data is just as vulnerable to
thieves as stock stored in a warehouse. Protect online data with up-to-date firewall
and data security software. If in doubt, hire a cybersecurity
expert to assess your IT systems.
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