- Research reveals that 81% of small businesses in England and Wales have experienced at least one type of business crime in the last two years.
- Advancements in technology offer viable solutions, with companies like Dahua Technology and Honeywell providing cost-effective and efficient solutions.
- The adoption of these technologies should go hand in hand with improved policing.
Crime against small businesses in the UK is a growing crisis that rarely grabs headlines or sparks debate in Parliament. Yet beneath the surface, the reality is stark: research reveals a worrying rise in intimidation, threatening behaviour, and even physical assaults over the past four years, alongside an alarming surge in organised shoplifting against them.
The scale of the problem is striking. According to the FSB, 81% of small businesses in England and Wales have experienced at least one type of business crime in the last two years. The most frequently reported issues include vandalism or damage to premises and anti-social behaviour (34%), burglary (30%), and theft by a third party (29%). Worse still, around 11% of small businesses say these crimes have cost them more than £10,000 over the same period.
Small businesses face unique challenges when it comes to crime prevention. While it's difficult to determine if criminals specifically target them more than larger ones, one thing is certain: small businesses are far more vulnerable.
They often lack the resources, infrastructure, and personnel that larger organisations can rely on to deter crime or recover quickly when it occurs. Despite these challenges, only 31% of affected businesses have taken proactive steps to mitigate their risk of loss.
Many rely on basic security measures like CCTV or alarm systems, which, while helpful, often fail to deter experienced criminals adept at exploiting weaknesses. A shop without exterior cameras or physical barriers, for instance, is far easier prey than one equipped with robust 24/7 monitoring and controlled access points.
Fortunately, small business owners are not without options. The security landscape is evolving, and a variety of advanced yet cost-effective solutions are now available. These tools, from remote monitoring systems to smart access controls, can be implemented with a minimal upfront investment, empowering even the smallest firms to strengthen their defences and reduce their vulnerability to crime.
Dahua Technology's TiOC (Three-in-One Camera) series enables users to proactively monitor potential threats and quickly respond to situations in real time by combining full-colour monitoring, active deterrence, and AI-powered detection for comprehensive security.
The TiOC camera can be integrated with conventional intruder alarm systems for building interiors, with a one-tap arming/disarming feature.
Similarly, Honeywell's MAXPRO Cloud is a cost-effective, scalable technology that combines security system expertise with cloud technology. This connected buildings platform is designed to make it easier to manage and monitor critical security and business intelligence needs, such as access control, on the go.
Through real-time notifications and an intuitive operational dashboard delivered to any mobile device, the solution provides the means to effectively and efficiently protect a business' people, property, and assets.
That said, the adoption of these advanced technologies must go hand in hand with improvements in reporting procedures and policing. FSB revealed that among small business victims who reported crimes to the police, nearly a third found that officers did not attend the scene, while 59% of them said there was no follow-up investigation. Alarmingly, only 3% of these businesses saw the police successfully identify and arrest the perpetrators.
Crime against small businesses not only has a detrimental impact on those who run and work for them, but it also affects the wider economy. It's time to stop seeing this issue as an 'acceptable business cost' and help them take the necessary steps to protect the vitality of our small business sector.
