What Criminals Look for and How to Stay Secure
Burglars are becoming more strategic, using advanced techniques to bypass traditional security measures. To stay secure, businesses must be informed about the latest burglary trends, what criminals target, and the best ways to stay ahead with proactive security solutions.
Understanding what attracts burglars can help you reinforce vulnerable areas. The main thing criminals look for before attacking is a lack of surveillance. Properties without cameras or with visible blind spots are more likely to be burglarized than those with active surveillance. According to a crime prevention study, well-lit businesses see a 36% lower crime rate than dimly lit locations too. Burglars also prioritize businesses with visible cash registers, safes, or luxury inventory.
Latest Burglary Trends:
- According to the FBI, 34% of burglars enter through the front door, while 22% use a back door or side entrance. Businesses with outdated locks or weak access controls are easy targets.
- The 2024 Security Industry Report found that 22% of businesses experienced hacking attempts targeting security systems, including smart locks and alarm bypassing.
- The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports a 26.5% increase in smash-and-grab incidents since 2022, with criminals often targeting high-end electronics, jewelry, and designer goods.
- More than 60% of commercial burglaries happen at night, typically between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., according to the U.S. Department of Justice. This is when businesses have fewer employees on-site and slower response times from law enforcement.
- The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) found that 30% of business theft cases involve employees or insiders. Criminals also use tactics like impersonating maintenance staff or delivery workers to gain access to restricted areas.
How to Stay Secure:
To keep your business safe, it’s essential to implement modern security solutions and best practices.
- Upgrade Video Surveillance: Investing in high-definition security cameras can reduce burglary attempts by 50%. AI-powered surveillance systems can detect suspicious activity and send real-time alerts to your phone or other remote monitoring system.
- Strengthen Entry Points: Access Control Systems act like a multi-factor authentication step for your doors. You can choose from keycards, fobs, and even mobile accessibility. 60% of burglars avoid businesses with advanced Access Control. Restricting access to sensitive areas with access control inside the building gives you an extra layer of security.
- Improve Alarm and Intrusion Detection: Having motion sensors and an alarm system that instantly notifies authorities is a great way to deter criminals. Some Intrusion Detection Systems can integrate with your video surveillance and access control for a faster response. Businesses with monitored alarm systems experience 47% fewer break-ins than those without.
- Enhance Exterior Lighting: Using motion-activated lights around entry points helps eliminate hiding spots. Well-lit areas see a 21% decrease in burglary rates.
- Implement Employee Training: 35% of business security breaches result from employee negligence or lack of training. Make sure your staff that locks up knows how to use the security features you have in place.
Burglars are always adapting, but so can your business. By understanding their tactics and implementing proactive security solutions, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target. Invest in modern security technology, train your staff, and stay secure—because when it comes to business security, prevention is always better than reaction.
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