4 Ways Businesses Can Guard Against Theft during the Holidays

There is no doubt about the fact that crime always rises during the holidays, and typically that means theft is something you are going to need to contend with. It is an easy time for criminals to come out from between the cracks simply because there is so much traffic during this busy season. Remember, holiday shoppers are not always willing to pay cash (or credit!) for the gifts they are ‘shopping’ for so it is up to you to guard against what could result in devastating losses. Here are four ways your business can guard against theft this holiday season.

1. Vet Your Part-Time Holiday Staff Well

Most businesses hire extra part-time staff during the holidays. If you are thinking that only shoppers steal, you are sadly mistaken. Employees are also known to acquire sticky fingers during this time of year, and not always from those yummy Christmas cakes either! When hiring part-time staff, make sure to vet them well. Check their references and run a criminal background check if you must but do your best to hire extra help you can feel safe with.

2. On-Site Security Guards 24/7

Also, if you think retail outlets are the only businesses being hit by robbers, you are making another grave mistake. Any commercial enterprise from warehouses to office buildings are prime targets for theft. They may not be looking for Christmas gifts but thieves will surely sell what they steal to use the money for gifts. On site security guards from IPM FM Group have found that many would-be robbers are simply looking for loot to sell so that they can use the money for gifts. How ludicrous is that?

3. Window Shutters to Keep Looters Out

In addition to onsite security guards and perhaps CCTV security systems, you may want to install metal security shutters that make it much more difficult to break into your establishment through those large panes of glass around your showroom or offices. By the time a crook gets in, the guard will be on that side of the building and the central alarm will have alerted the police. Together they can halt the crime in action.

4. Update Internet and E-commerce Security

Not all theft occurs in the physical plane. Much crime this time of year happens online. If you have an e-commerce site, make sure to update your internet or e-commerce security platform. Some hackers can easily access your data files in order to break into bank accounts, credit card accounts and also, with the information of your customers they can go to other sites and use that information to fraudulently make purchases. Make sure they don’t do that to you!

The holidays should be a time of festivities and family fun, where everyone is able to sit back, relax and make merry. Unfortunately there are some shady characters out there who can ruin your entire holiday, so this year, make sure to guard against theft and you can enjoy your holidays without that extra worry.