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- Upgrading or replacing outdated or malfunctioning cameras, alarms, or communication equipment.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.
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