Why Physical Business Security is Essential

It has been reported that in 2024 business break-ins escalated by 14%. In our latest blog we look at the essential need for robust physical business security.

Most businesses of all sizes are highly aware of the need for strong cyber security to ensure business and customer data is always safe and well protected. But during 2023 around 8% of businesses were burgled and overall around 28% of businesses suffered some form of physical crime including burglary and vandalism.

The total number of recorded burglary offences in England and Wales significantly decreased during 2020/21, due to the COVID pandemic lockdowns, but since then the number of offences has been steadily escalating. For the year ending in December 2023 there were 60,945 recorded commercial burglaries in England and Wales.

In the Commercial Victimisation Survey (CVS), last carried out in 2019, the wholesale and retail sector was identified as the most at risk. The survey concluded that 17% of businesses in this sector were victims of crime with burglary being the most significant. The average cost of each burglary incident can be very high due, not only to the loss of valuable, stolen stock but also the impact on trading hours, increased insurance premiums and property damage.

Metropolitan areas, such as London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, tend to experience greater numbers of commercial burglaries. But commercial crime in rural areas can also be very high with crime gangs specifically targeting high value items such as farm machinery and vehicles.

Primary Physical Business Security Risks

As noted, burglary tends to be the highest risk for many UK businesses. But vandalism is another common crime that can be highly impactful. Shoplifting and staff abuse has been escalating with violence toward staff a growing risk for shop workers and there has also been a growing number of “ram raid” attacks, targeting commercial enterprises.

Here are some crime examples that businesses need to be aware of.

Burglary and Theft of High Value Goods

Businesses and transport hubs that deal with high value goods are at particularly high risk of being targeted by criminals. Crime gangs know what’s in demand and what they can readily sell on the black market. Technology devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, along with vapes, for example, are often targeted by shoplifters and organised crime gangs.

In November 2023 a number of vape shops and technology stores were targeted across the South of England. Thieves broke into premises during the early hours, when there were no staff or customers present. The burglars knew exactly what they were after and didn’t take any other items from the burgled stores. E-cigarettes and vape products are small and very valuable making them an attractive target for criminals.

Rooftop or Alleyway Break-Ins

Stores and businesses are sometimes very vulnerable to rooftop or alleyway break-ins wherein the criminals avoid the main entrance and windows, which are often shuttered and highly secure, and instead gain entry via weaker access points such as roof panels or neighbouring properties.

A well publicised example took place in London’s Hatton Garden jewellery district in January 2024. Thieves gained access to an adjacent property via the rooftop and then broke through a wall into a jewellery store’s loft space. By dropping into the store the burglars were able to bypass all of the ground-level security systems in the shop.

Ram Raid Attacks

As mentioned, ram raid attacks have been escalating. Criminals typically use stolen vehicles to ram into businesses and ATM machines, causing extensive property and inventory damage.

In a recent ram raid spree, in Basildon, Essex, a series of ram raid attacks were carried out involving a silver SUV being driven into a variety of shops, including takeaways. Three men were arrested for these crimes. And between November 2021 and August 2022 a string of ram raid burglaries targeted shops, ATMs and petrol stations across London and the South East. Criminals stole over £1.2 million and caused property damage valued at £1.8 million with lost earnings, suffered by the victims, adding up to around £1.5 million.

Distraction and Impersonation Burglary

Distraction burglary involves distracting staff to enable others to gain entry and commit theft. Distraction burglaries also sometimes involve the impersonation of legitimate workers to deceive staff or security personnel.

A well publicised example of robbery, enabled by impersonation, was the Tonbridge Securitas Depot robbery in 2006. Criminals impersonated police officers using a fake, unmarked police car with blue flashing lights. Under the guise of a routine police stop, the depot manager was kidnapped and forced to cooperate with the fake police officers who deceived staff at the depot. The gang were able to infiltrate the premises and steal close to £53 million. Most of the perpetrators were subsequently caught but only £21 million of the stolen cash was ever recovered. 

Rural Business Burglary

Farms, warehouses and construction sites in rural areas are particularly vulnerable to criminals, due to their often remote locations that aren’t overlooked and don’t have nearby neighbours. The National Farmers Union regularly reports on the theft of farm machinery, quad bikes and expensive technology, now commonly used on farms.

In 2023 a farm in Lincolnshire reported the theft of £80,000 worth of farming machinery in a single raid. In Norfolk, organised criminals gained access to a secure agro-chemical storage facility by cutting communications lines and accessing the premises via the roof. Their raid was stymied by an alarm system before they could make off with anything valuable. And in Essex two men received seven year sentences for stealing machinery from 13 farms and estates, with an estimated value of £380,000.

Business Vandalism

A survey conducted by the British Chamber of Commerce determined that around 21% of UK businesses had been affected by vandalism. Vandalism can cause costly damage and put workers at risk. Business operations can be halted while repairs are carried out and business reputations can be negatively impacted. According to the Federation of Small Business, small firms face an average annual loss of around £13,500 due to vandalism and other crimes.

The 2011 riots in England saw widespread business damage with around 2,534 shops and storefronts looted and destroyed by fire. Insurance payouts were estimated to have exceeded £200 million.

Unauthorised Access and Trespassing

Criminals gaining unauthorised access to commercial premises can result in theft of stock, business equipment and data. Common methods used to gain entry into businesses include what’s commonly known as ‘tailgating’, wherein a criminal quickly follows a member of staff who uses their access pass to enter the business premises. Another common technique is the impersonation of service personnel or delivery couriers.

Trespassing often precedes more serious commercial crime with criminals trespassing to assess the potential entry points around a commercial property. Some criminal are now reported to be using drones to assess potential targets.

Essential Physical Business Security

There are clearly many ways in which attractive commercial enterprises are vulnerable to criminals. Every business needs to take security seriously, regardless of the business size or the sector they are in. As noted, some businesses are likely to be more attractive to criminals than others, due to the products they deal with. But all businesses, large and small, need to take physical security very seriously.

Carry Out a Business Security Audit

Every enterprise should routinely carry out a comprehensive business security audit. This process involves a systematic evaluation of the company’s security measures, policies and procedures. Security audits should encompass both physical security as well as digital and data security.

The primary objective of this process is to identify weaknesses and implement measures to mitigate risks. It makes sense to consult with insurance providers to take advantage of their expertise and ensure security precautions fully comply with their requirements.

Strengthen Perimeter Security

A layered approach to security is recommended, involving multiple layers of security surrounding valuable assets such as stock, data and equipment. The physical perimeter of a business premises needs to be robust and capable of repelling unwanted intruders. As described in the preceding examples, the physical perimeter of a property might include the rooftop and walls adjoining neighbouring properties.

All windows and doors need to be well maintained and always locked when staff aren`t on the premises. Windows can potentially be strengthened by installing window security bars and door entry systems should only allow permitted members of staff to enter.

Fences, walls, hedges and gates should all be in a good state of repair and prevent passers-by from seeing equipment or stock. Potential intruders can be deterred by installing anti climb fence top or wall top protection, such as Roller Barrier. And climbing on walls, along with poles and other structures, can be prevented by using anti-climb paint. Its always important to display appropriate warning signage when using these forms of perimeter security.

Install CCTV Cameras

CCTV systems have become very affordable, even for smaller businesses and today’s CCTV cameras can provide 24/7 surveillance along with automated alerts. CCTV camera systems are an essential element in an integrated commercial property security system. Cameras should be located to watch over entrances and other vulnerable areas identified in the premises security audit.

Install Intruder Alarms

Alongside CCTV systems, intruder alarms provide an immediate alert when triggered, enabling swift response from law enforcement and security personnel. Motion sensors can guard against trespassing and help ensure premises are secure when staff are no longer present.

Consider Anti Ram-Raid Bollards

Anti ram-raid bollards are typically robust, telescopic bollards that retract entirely into the ground when required. Businesses and storage premises that may be vulnerable to ram raid attacks might beneficially install these bollards to make it impossible for criminals to ram into their doors or shopfronts.

Control Unauthorised Access

Installing reliable access control systems helps ensure that only authorised personnel can ever enter a commercial premises. These systems might use proximity fobs, biometric data or keypad entry. For businesses dealing with high value assets or data, biometric authentication provides a reliable layer of identity verification that ensures only permitted personnel can gain access. Integrating access control systems with other layers of security, such as CCTV, door locking systems and alarms, provides valuable security oversight, enabling businesses to record and track all premises entry and exit points.

Site visitors should potentially be issued with temporary site passes that will automatically expire if they fail to hand them in. All visitors should be logged in a visitor logbook.

Install Motion Triggered Lighting

Motion triggered lighting around a commercial site, along with CCTV cameras, is a powerful anti-vandalism deterrent. It also makes sense to install anti-vandal, shatter-proof glass and use tamper-proof fastenings to secure external equipment, hinges and other hardware.

Carry Out Staff Training

A key aspect of a secure commercial site, warehouse, shop or office is security awareness amongst the staff. It makes sense to ensure all staff are aware of security policies and procedures and they all recognise the important part they each play in keeping a commercial establishment safe and secure.

If you have any questions about securing commercial properties, or if you have any special requirements, remember we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 092921 and we’ll provide you with free, expert advice.

This message was added on Thursday 4th September 2025

For more information on Why Physical Business Security is Essential talk to Insight Security