Premise safety

To protect your premises effectively, it needs to be secure inside and out. Appropriate security depends on your business type and location.

Outside

• Strengthen or replace doors and windows. Choose strong materials such as laminated glass and mortise locks - Fit doorsets - frame, door lock and hardware.
• Install an alarm system and consider CCTV.
• Light up entrances.
• Fit grilles and shutters.
• Secure boundaries.
• Lock up ladders and restrict access to flat roofs and drainpipes.
• Remove graffiti and make the building look cared-for.
• Secure vehicles, externally stored stock and external buildings.
• Remove rubbish, limit arson risk - do not leave combustibles adjacent to buildings.

Inside

• Ensure window displays don't block the view.
• Keep shelves low so customers are visible.
• Make counters wide and raise the floor behind.
• Provide safe places for staff in an emergency. Doors to staff areas should be lockable.
• Protect valuable stock with cabinets, grilles, alarms and dummy goods.
• Seek advice from your local police station about locating tills.
• Put up warning signs.
• Use mirrors to reveal hidden areas.
• Use a safe for storing cash and valuables.
• Remove high-value portable items from display windows at night.
• Secure computers and data in tested enclosures.

The overall design

Welcoming environments help prevent violence. Colours, decor, furnishings and background music can all reduce aggression.

New or refurbished premises offer the chance to build in crime prevention at the design stage.

Review security implications before and after any reconfiguration of premises or changes in business practice.