Businesses urged to tighten security Businesses urged to tighten security - BusinessWatch

Businesses urged to tighten security

Businesses are being urged to review security after latest figures showed a dramatic rise in the cost of crime.

A new report released by the British Chambers of Commerce revealed a 20 per cent rise since 2004 to £12.6 billion annually.

But that figure could be cut if companies employed basic security measures, according to Peterborough-based The BusinessWatch Group.

“Crime is costing businesses far too much,” said The BusinessWatch Group’s Managing Director Jonathan Wakerley. “The cost of a burglary, fire or series of vandalism attacks can sometimes be so high businesses can’t recover. Yet money spent on fire and security could provide not only physical protection but peace of mind for staff and business owners.”

The award-winning company based in Orton Southgate, Peterborough and operating throughout East Anglia and the East Midlands, offers businesses a free comprehensive security review complete with recommendations on how best to secure premises and safeguard staff.

“All businesses are individual and have different needs,” said Jonathan. “It’s important the most efficient, cost-effective measures are introduced. We fully integrate the fire and security solutions to ensure that we help our clients get maximum value from their security spend.”

As part of their overall site protection strategy, companies need to consider:

  • Electronic intruder alarms

  • CCTV surveillance systems and security lighting

  • Access control systems

  • Vehicle barrier systems

  • Fire systems

  • Mobile patrols

  • Security guards

The report “The Invisible Crime: A Business Crime Survey” spoke to 3,900 businesses nationwide and found:

  • 59% of businesses have experienced at least one incident of crime in the last 12 months

  • Eight out of 10 feel crime against business is a problem in their local area

  • Almost a quarter have experienced damage to vehicles, a fifth had suffered vandalism and graffit and 19% had been burgled

  • 68% said they would not report relatively small crimes or damage to premises or property

For more information or to book a free site survey and risk assessment please call 0870 766 3545 or email enquiries@businesswatchgroup.com

The BusinessWatch Group is a Gold Service provider of the Peterborough branch of the Chamber of Commerce and winner of The Evening Telegraph’s Small Business of the Year Award 2007.

Note to editors

For more press information contact Suzanne Ostler at Media Matters on 01733 371363 or email suzanne@mediamatters-pr.co.uk.