A break-in is every business owner’s nightmare. Whether you run a shop, a farm, a warehouse, or a corporate office, discovering that your premises have been targeted can leave you feeling vulnerable and uncertain about what to do next. The good news is that there are clear steps you can take to regain control and secure your business.
Step 1: Ensure safety first
Before anything else, make sure you and your staff are safe. If the break-in has just happened and you suspect the intruders might still be on-site, don’t enter the premises. Instead, call the police immediately and wait for their arrival from a safe location.
Step 2: Contact the police
Dial 999 to report the break-in if it is ongoing. If you discover the break-in after the fact, call 101 to report it. The police will provide a crime reference number, which you’ll need for insurance claims and any follow-up investigations.
Step 3: Avoid disturbing the scene
While it’s tempting to start tidying up, avoid touching anything until the police have assessed the scene. This helps preserve any evidence that could assist in identifying the culprits. If you have CCTV footage, make sure to secure and share it with the police.
Step 4: Assess the damage and losses
Once the police give you the all-clear, assess the extent of the damage and any stolen property. Take photos of any damage, forced entry points, and missing items. This documentation will be crucial when dealing with insurance claims.
Step 5: Contact your insurance provider
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the police crime reference number, photos, and a detailed list of losses. Your policy may cover damage repairs, lost stock, and business interruptions.
Step 6: Secure your premises
Now it’s time to prevent another break-in. It’s common for thieves to come back, especially if they know you’ll have replaced expensive equipment. That’s where we come in. At Abbey Security, we specialise in securing businesses across East Anglia, giving you peace of mind that your premises are protected.
We offer a range of services tailored to your needs, including:
- Manned guarding: Highly trained security officers to deter criminal activity and provide a visible security presence.
- Mobile patrols: Regularly scheduled patrols to keep an eye on your premises, even when you’re not there.
- Alarm response: Immediate response to alarm activations, ensuring rapid action when needed.
- Keyholding services: Secure key management, so you don’t have to risk your own safety responding to incidents.
- CCTV monitoring: Professional surveillance to detect threats before they escalate.
Step 7: Review your security measures
A break-in is a wake-up call to reassess your security setup. Prevention is better than dealing with the fall-out of a break-in. Consider upgrading locks, installing additional CCTV cameras, or reinforcing entry points. Our team at Abbey Security can conduct Physical Penetration Testing to highlight any weaknesses and recommend tailored solutions.
Step 8: Support your team
A burglary can be unsettling for staff, even if they weren’t present. Communicate openly about the incident, reassure them about new security measures, and offer support if needed. Keeping your team informed and involved in security improvements will help restore confidence.
Protect your business with Abbey Security
You’ve worked hard to build your business – don’t let a break-in set you back. Abbey Security has been protecting businesses across East Anglia for over 30 years. Whether you need an immediate security presence or long-term solutions, we’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s secure your business together.
Stay safe. Stay secure. We’ve got you covered.
Posted on March 11, 2025