Making your premises safer - self assessment

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves. They choose premises that have no obvious signs of security or where they think they will not be seen. If they have succeeded once they can be motivated to try again.

It is important that you review your security and act quickly to upgrade it. We recommend that you run through the checklist below to help you do this. Once completed it can be used as a guide to help you identify and improve your security. Now is a good time for you to determine the risk of crime to your premises and introduce changes, if necessary, to prevent or reduce any further loss before you purchase new equipment.

All your staff should be encouraged to identify any security risks. It is in everyone's interest to ensure the security and success of your business.

Download a business security checklist.

Security Marking

Security marking can increase the chances of your property being recovered. Various types of security marking are available, ranging from labels, pens, post coding, and chemical etching to gels and micro dots. All are enhanced when used in conjunction with a registration database such as Immobilise, a free private and secure portfolio of all your personal property. If it is then lost or stolen, you can use Immobilise to tell police and your insurer.

For further information and guidance on asset marking and registration databases, and the Association of Chief Police Officers' statement on the endorsement of products please follow this link: http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/property01.htm Technical information on some of the main chemical and forensic marking products can also be found on Secured by Design

Intruder Alarms

Although an alarm can deter burglars, they should not be used as a substitute for good locks and are more effective when used in conjunction with other security measures. It is essential that you choose the right type of alarm system for your needs. There are two main types, audible and monitored alarms. The latter relies on the alarm activating an emergency signal within a monitoring station, which can notify the nominated key holder or police if appropriate.

For an alarm to be legal and effective it should:

• meet the relevant British or European Standard set by your insurance company.


• cut off after 20 minutes.


• be professionally installed.


• be maintained regularly and inspected by a member of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSIAB).

CCTV Systems

CCTV systems can be an effective and useful tool for crime prevention and can help investigations on certain crimes. However, careful consideration should be given to the type, placement and management of any CCTV system.

For CCTV recordings to be effective in detecting and investigating crime they must be fit for purpose and easily accessible by police investigators. The Home Office has released a leaflet that offers guidance to potential users of digital CCTV systems, where the pictures are intended to be used by the police or are likely to be used in an investigation.

In addition any CCTV system must be registered with the Information Commissioner in order to comply with the Data Protection Act. To be legal there must be:

• clear signage stating the name of the operator.


• a purpose for the system, e.g. crime prevention.


• a contact telephone number.

For further information on the legal requirements contact the Information Commissioner.

Car Park Security

The Park Mark® Safer Parking Scheme is an initiative from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and is aimed at reducing both crime and the fear of crime in parking facilities. Look for the Park Mark® tick to ensure safer parking. Safer Parking status, Park Mark®, is awarded to parking facilities that have met the requirements of a risk assessment. To find out more or locate a Park Mark® site go to: www.parkmark.co.uk.