How to Protect Your Business After a Break-in (or Major Security Incident)
One of the most frequent reasons business owners approach security companies is, unfortunately, one of the worst. They have just experienced a break-in or major security incident and aren’t sure what to do next or how to prevent it in the future.
How you react to something this serious can make a big difference to your well-being and safety, as well as the safety of your customers and employees. Here’s what to do immediately after a break-in or serious security breach.
Contact the authorities and secure the premises
Before you begin thinking about preventing future incidents, make sure that the incident is over and that your business is (for the moment) secure. Make sure everyone on your team is safe and not in need of medical attention. If they need assistance, call for help as soon as possible.
It is not uncommon for burglars to return to the scene of an incident, so lock your doors and windows properly. Contact your local law enforcement authorities to report the break-in and associated damages.
Not only will a police report be a requirement for your insurance provider, but notifying the authorities may help deter unwanted return visits and keep everyone safe until additional security measures can be taken.
Document theft and damage
Both the police and your insurance company will ask you for documentation on what was stolen, the damage done to your property, and the value of any items damaged or destroyed. Pictures and videos can be useful in documenting damages.
Doing a deep and thorough inventory will also help you identify potential gaps to share with a security professional as you identify steps to prevent future incidents. Contact your bank and credit card company and cancel any cards and freeze any accounts that may be impacted by the theft.
Do a deep-dive assessment of your security setup and protocols with a security professional
Once you are sure that the incident is over, your people are safe, and a police report has been filed, it’s time to set up a thorough inspection of your existing security systems. We recommend a deep-dive, in-person consultation with a local security professional.
Be prepared to make updates or additions to your current security system, including:
- Upgrading or replacing outdated or malfunctioning cameras, alarms, or communication equipment.
- Fixing or replacing doors, windows, or locks.
- Implementing stricter access control policies or adding additional security systems to ensure the ongoing safety of your team and property.
- Adding additional lighting or visible security equipment, AI-assisted video cameras, or actual security guards to deter future incidents.
Your security provider should be able to provide a thorough, highly customized audit of your existing systems, identifying gaps so they can provide you with short-term and long-term solutions for improving security. They should also offer you transparent pricing information on any updates they recommend, including labor, parts, and monthly service fees if applicable. This should be aligned tightly to your business, location, and immediate security needs.
Speak with your insurance provider
Speak with your insurance company about the incident and get their guidance on filing a claim on your business owner’s policy for any and all damages. Review your insurance coverage to make sure you are adequately protected in the event of another break-in or security incident. Additional coverage might be required after a major incident to remain in compliance, but you can sometimes get insurance breaks by adding additional security features.
Put your new security plan into action immediately
After receiving a thorough audit from your security services provider, take action on the most pressing issues, and close any security gaps that can be addressed quickly. Making major upgrades to your security system can take days or weeks, but it pays to think long-term, and the sooner you get started with upgrading the protection, the better.
Communicate with your team
Make sure your employees and customers are aware of the incident, understand what happened, and understand what you are planning to do to protect them in the future. A little transparency can go a long way, and taking immediate action is a great way to start rebuilding trust and improving safety for your team.
To get a detailed customized security audit from Bay Alarm, contact us today.
Start a conversation with a Bay Alarm security expert.
Related Articles
In an emergency, every second counts. Whether it’s a threat to a school, bank, store, or... Read More >
With crime on the rise in major cities, the importance of security systems has never been... Read More >
If you live in California, you are no stranger to the challenges of getting insurance. It’s... Read More >
Fire safety is a priority everywhere, but in California it’s especially urgent. To be prepared, business... Read More >
This Saturday, May 4th, the St. Mary’s College (SMC) Men’s Rugby team will face Navy during... Read More >
Protecting educational campuses and facilities is an increasingly urgent and complicated problem. Campus buildings can be... Read More >
Is it time to update your business’s security system, but you’re unsure where to start? We... Read More >
Managing properties, whether one or multiple, means constantly juggling challenges. Dealing with buildings in different cities... Read More >
As security technology advances, so do the options for customizing security protocols. A security protocol tells... Read More >
Live video monitoring is a next-generation security service that combines new technologies in threat detection (way... Read More >
Businesses and people are now using facial recognition technology to make payments, bank online, and as... Read More >
In their research report on “The Future of Physical Security,” execs from Microsoft and Accenture interviewed... Read More >
Customer: Laborers Training School Laborers Training School provides construction-based labor training to union workers in multiple locations... Read More >
As we mentioned in a previous article, several trends in the security market have made live... Read More >
News about artificial intelligence is everywhere these days. So it’s no surprise that business owners are... Read More >
The best runners in the world aren’t simply fast; they’re efficient. The most popular cars don’t... Read More >
What are security agent services? Security agent services (SAS) are live security agents who work on... Read More >
A typical customer in 2023 wants—and expects—a shopping experience that works for them. A challenge for... Read More >
There’s no denying that AI-powered technology offers you a chance to step up your business’s security... Read More >
You’ve probably heard of behavioral analytics. It’s everywhere these days, shaping our world and dramatically influencing... Read More >
Understanding who is at your business—and when—is a key priority for most business owners. Another obvious,... Read More >
Video security has come a long way, so much so that the full capabilities of a... Read More >
What is live video monitoring? Live video monitoring is a commercial security service that deters crime... Read More >
You can pay your Bay Alarm bill in one of three ways: through our online portal,... Read More >
According to Security Magazine, more than 2,000 first-responder agencies across the US currently use drones and... Read More >
Scaling a business is an exciting time filled with new possibilities. But it can also bring... Read More >
If you’re relatively handy and feel like you have a solid understanding of technology, you might... Read More >
A video security system is only effective if it’s installed properly. The most advanced, AI-based camera... Read More >
Preserving employee safety can be a big challenge when expanding your business to multiple locations. As... Read More >
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more than one million cars were stolen across the... Read More >
Has a speeding car in the next lane ever distracted you from seeing a pothole until... Read More >
Every business owner deals with risk: it’s part of doing business. Some risks are worth taking,... Read More >
An unsafe work environment poses hazards for businesses beyond the physical risks to employees. It can... Read More >
The best modern business security systems feature some of the most advanced technology on the planet.... Read More >
Build a culture of safety the right way Protecting employees and the office work space takes... Read More >
Warehouses are complex environments that present many potential hazards to employees. According to the Occupational Safety... Read More >
Protect Your Business Without Breaking the Bank Protecting staff, inventory, and physical property is a priority... Read More >
Security tools work best when they fit the exact needs―and capacity―of your business and staff. The... Read More >
Implementing an effective security system for your business isn’t as simple as installing a camera, setting... Read More >
Following business safety regulations isn’t a choice but an obligation. Ignoring compliance standards not only puts... Read More >
Business leaders know how difficult choosing a security system can be. Every organization has specific needs... Read More >
Securing your business is crucial for longevity and future success. Maintaining a safe work environment goes... Read More >
Researching business security systems can be frustrating and confusing. There are many moving parts, and when you ask for the cost, the answer is usually, “It Read More >
Keeping up with trends and technological advancements in the security industry can be challenging. Knowing where... Read More >
Robbery, theft, and arson cost US businesses over $17.2 billion in losses in 2021. As a... Read More >
With the rapid pace of technology, business security systems can become outdated faster than ever. Seeing... Read More >
For businesses concerned about deterring theft, vandalism, and other costly threats to their property and inventory,... Read More >
Waste is kindling for fires. If you work in the waste industry, you are likely aware... Read More >
The numbers don’t lie. Despite all the focus on cybersecurity, cybercriminals remain a costly threat to... Read More >
Company Known for its Security Expertise Offers Tips on How to Prevent Being a Victim. CONCORD,... Read More >
Contact sensors are security devices typically installed on doors and windows. They can notify you and... Read More >
Standard commercial security guard services include agent response, guard patrol, and standing guard, all of which... Read More >
Biometric security systems digitally identify people through biological signatures, like fingerprints, facial recognition, and eye scans.... Read More >
Are you hesitant to get a security and fire alarm system for your business due to... Read More >
Fire alarm systems keep buildings and building occupants safe from fires. While it is easy to... Read More >
Catalytic converter theft has become a big issue for car lots as the price of materials... Read More >
An IP camera, or internet protocol camera, is a type of digital security camera that receives... Read More >
A geofence is a virtual perimeter, or boundary, around a specific, real-world location. A geofence can... Read More >
Despite advanced security technology, false alarms do happen. Non-emergency events are major strains on local emergency... Read More >
CONCORD, CALIF. – Bay Alarm, a seventy-five-year-old family owned and operated security company, doesn’t just protect... Read More >
Video alarm verification pairs your security system with an alarm monitoring center. In the event an... Read More >
A motion sensor, or motion detector, is an electronic device that uses a sensor to detect... Read More >
A fire alarm system is one of the most important security features of any building—they are... Read More >
Traditional metal keys can be easily lost, locks must be professionally re-keyed if an ex-employee fails... Read More >
Modern security camera systems are great for monitoring your home or business, as many systems offer... Read More >
For those looking to increase the safety of their home or business, it can be tempting... Read More >
As a small business owner, you need more than just a security camera or burglar alarm.... Read More >
Constructing a new commercial building—be it a retail space, apartment complex, skyscraper, or sporting arena—is a... Read More >
There are a wide variety of home and business security devices and systems. You can opt... Read More >
Your home or business burglar alarm system increases the safety of everyone and everything within. It’s... Read More >
On Tuesday, July 14, the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors approved Bay Alarm Company’s donation to... Read More >
Many homeowners have adopted home automation technology due to its convenience and security. Z-Wave, one of... Read More >
In 2016, there were over 11,000 reported construction-site equipment thefts in the United States, which accounted... Read More >
St. Mary’s College recently had their Steadauto.com car raffle to benefit their Galloping Gaels Fund and... Read More >
A cyber security breach, or data breach, is an intentional or unintentional release of private information... Read More >
Whether you’re planning a summer vacation for the whole family, or you and your spouse are... Read More >
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is shifting most day-to-day work operations from the office to the home.... Read More >
Smart home technology includes a vast variety of wirelessly connected devices. When it comes to entertainment... Read More >
With California under shelter-in-place orders and everywhere across the nation practicing social distancing, Santa Clara County... Read More >
The California State Fire Marshal recently announced that it is still essential for contractors to ensure... Read More >
Homeowners occasionally find themselves shopping for a new home security services provider, whether because of dissatisfaction... Read More >
As doorbell cameras become more pervasive, there are also an increasing number of cases in which... Read More >
Fire is one of the top risks to any small business. According to the National Fire Prevention... Read More >
While you can’t always predict supply and demand, ensuring the protection of your business is one... Read More >
With natural disasters being an ever present concern, we wanted to help bring to mind some... Read More >
Smart home devices are growing in popularity, and doorbell cameras are shaping up to be a... Read More >
Is Airbnb safe? Check out these security tips before you list your home on this vacation... Read More >
Now in its 35th year, National Night Out (NNO) was founded in 1984 in a western... Read More >
Bay Alarm is proud to be a title sponsor and partner with the California State Sheriffs... Read More >
April 10, 2019 CONCORD, CALIF. – Bay Alarm continues to grow and expand in Southern California... Read More >
CONCORD, CALIF. – Bay Alarm, the largest independently owned security company in the United States, got... Read More >
CONCORD, CALIF. – Bay Alarm, a family owned and operated security company dedicated to protecting homes,... Read More >
Pacheco, CA. April 6, 2016 – Two of Bay Alarm’s leading executives have been inducted into the Security... Read More >
The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff operates the Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC)... Read More >