As a business owner, there is nothing more terrifying than finding out you have been robbed. Unfortunately, retail smash-and-grabs have become increasingly popular in Ontario. With headlines of smash and grabs becoming a common sight these days, it’s understandable that business owners within the province may be scared of being the next target. Luckily, isure has a list of tips to help prevent smash-and-grab robberies and keep you and your business safe.
What is a smash-and-grab robbery?
To ensure your business is safe, we must first understand what a smash-and-grab robbery is. This type of robbery is precisely what it sounds like. Generally, one or more people will force their way into doors or windows by “smashing” them and stealing as much product as possible. These types of robberies are usually carried out so quickly that the culprits flee the scene before law enforcement arrives. Though they generally occur when a business is closed, they have recently happened in jewelry stores in broad daylight during business hours. In busy shopping malls, no less!
“Organized retail crime poses significant safety risks to both store employees and consumers, and it leads to the sale of both stolen and counterfeit goods,” TPS Board Chair Ann Morgan said back in October of 2023. These break-ins leave the business owner with costly repairs, stolen merchandise, and possibly a temporary shutdown.
How to prevent a smash-and-grab robbery
It may seem like smash-and-grab robberies are inevitable, but that is not necessarily true! By following our tips to prevent them, you can have peace of mind knowing your business is protected from intruders.
1. Ensure the safety of your store
This may seem like an obvious tip, but you’d be surprised how many business owners cut corners on security. It is essential to ensure an alarm system that immediately alerts you (and the authorities) to any suspicious movement or break-ins outside business hours. Even if the intruder is gone before authorities arrive, they must respond quickly. Additionally, ensuring you are using high-quality security cameras is crucial. Even when masked, a good security camera can help identify an intruder more easily.
As mentioned before, due to the speed of smash-and-grab robberies, a sound security system alone may not prevent an incident. This is why you’re taking extra steps concerning your store’s security. The truth is, your business is likely targeted well before the break-in. Burglars will target businesses and storefronts with large windows or doors that are easy to break. Any valuable items must be kept away from entrances and windows to prevent them from being visible from the outside while the business is closed. If you want to go the extra mile, consider installing metal bars inside the business windows. Or purchase a time-delay safe to store high-value items during and after business hours. Though it may not be as aesthetically appealing, it will go to great lengths to prevent these break-ins.
2. Keep your store well-lit
As mentioned earlier, robbers generally scout businesses that are easier to break into. A good way to deter robbers is to keep the lights on throughout the night and use motion-sensor lights to catch any movement. Not only can this deter people from entering the business, but it will also allow security cameras, both inside and out, to capture clearer footage of intruders.
It is important to promptly replace any light bulbs that have gone out, both inside and outside the business. When a business is dark inside after closing, it is more susceptible to break-ins. If you don’t keep your business adequately lit, consider a timed lighting system that turns on and off during off-hours.
3. Hire security personnel
If you are a bigger business that houses high-value items, such as jewelry, consider hiring security personnel. These security guards will significantly enhance your business’s safety when your doors are closed. Let’s face it: no matter how much security technology has improved over the years, nothing will deter a smash-and-grab more than an actual human being.
By hiring a security guard, you ensure your business is under surveillance overnight, when you’re on holiday, and even when you’re working. Not only will a security guard on site decrease your chances of smash-and-grabs, but it will also deter unwanted persons, such as vandals and other robbers and thieves.
4. Do not keep a large amount of cash on the premises
Retail or not, keeping a large amount of cash in your registers, even during open hours, is never a good idea. You must go to great lengths to have as little cash on hand as possible. If you need to keep money in the store, please use a safe deposit box or a time deposit. Make sure this is large or bolted to the ground, as a thief can easily take the entire safe. Most places with large amounts of cash or high-value items on hand, like banks, usually have a visible sign stating a time-delay safe. This may help deter any would-be thieves!
5. Educate your staff on smash-and-grab robberies
It is vital that, as a business owner, you ensure your staff are educated on what to do in the event of a smash-and-grab robbery. We know it’s easy to assume this won’t happen, but being prepared is important. You can use a human resource agency if you are a new business or looking to hire more people. This helps ensure the stranger you hire is deemed trustworthy and knowledgeable. First, you must earn your new employee’s trust before disclosing any information. Though rare, employees in certain situations have been known to collaborate with criminals from the outside. This involves providing them with information that will make their smash-and-grab robbery easier.
6. Make friends with your neighbours
Whether in a big city or a small town, you likely have neighbours at your business. You will foster a relationship by maintaining a good rapport with them. This provides your company with several pairs of eyes to monitor for suspicious activity. This can prevent break-ins from your business and the community as a whole; it is a neighbourhood watch, if you will. If you are a new business, you can learn more about the area and stay informed about any security advancements.
7. Be prepared for smash-and-grab attempts
Remember, even with all the security and preparation in the world, situations will arise, unfortunately. This involves more than just smash-and-grab robberies. This is why it’s essential to be prepared and have the proper insurance in place should a break-in occur. The type of insurance you have may differ, but the bottom line is that it can save you a lot of money and potentially prevent your entire business from closing. Luckily, we’ve outlined the top insurance coverage options you should have in place below.
What types of insurance coverage can protect you from smash-and-grab robberies?
1. Commercial Property Insurance
This is one of the most common types of business insurance. In retail alone, crime costs Canadians roughly $4.6 billion each year. Most business owners know how often theft occurs, so commercial property insurance is usually their go-to. A commercial policy will protect your building contents. This includes equipment, furniture, machinery, and others’ property. On top of this, if you own your building, it will be protected as well.
2. Business interruption Insurance
When you’re robbed and equipment is taken or damaged, your business will likely be unable to operate until it’s repaired. For example, a broken front door will prevent customers from entering the business. This will result in temporary (or permanent) closure, and your bank account will suffer. Furthermore, if your merchandise is stolen or a jewelry case is shattered during a smash-and-grab, you will likely need to clean up and make repairs temporarily. You will also need time to replenish what’s been stolen. Luckily, Business Interruption insurance coverage will help cover your loss of income during the time it takes to get back on your feet.
3. Employee Dishonesty/Commercial Crime Insurance
Though most crimes are committed by people who have no association with your business, that isn’t always the case. Employees can sometimes collude with outside criminals for a cut of the stolen profits. This may include providing them with inside information that will best assist them in their scheme to rob your store. Employee theft is a real problem for small businesses. According to the Retail Council of Canada, employee theft costs Canadian companies roughly $1.4 billion annually.
Bonus: It is important to remember that Commercial Auto Insurance is also a wise policy if you have a company vehicle. Standard commercial auto insurance will provide coverage if your car is damaged in an accident or stolen.
Smash-and-grab thefts: In conclusion
With these tips and tricks, we hope you feel confident that your business is as safe as possible and protected against smash-and-grab robberies. Contact us today for more information regarding your policy or request a quote below.
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