Keeping your assets protected from theft and damage, and your people free from harm, is always high on the agenda for commercial property and facilities teams.

To put the risk into perspective, the latest report ‘Calling time on Business Crime’ by the Federation of Small Business, found that 50% of businesses have suffered a physical crime in the last two years. These are crimes that affect buildings and contents, and stock holding.

Law enforcement agencies, insurers and the many organisations representing the interests of business, always recommend a strategy of prevention.

As well as deterring people from attempting to commit a crime, prevention systems that include alarms and CCTV footage will help catch perpetrators that do cross the line.

The three most common reasons to invest:

1. Safety

Commercial intruder alarms are designed to keep unwanted people out and keep members of the public and workers safe. For instance, they might be used to protect a specific type of asset from vandalism, such as a vehicle fleet, or a high-value asset, like currency or sensitive paper files. In the case of documents, alarm systems can help organisations meet regulatory data protection standards.

2. Deterrent

Alarms act as a visible deterrent to anyone considering breaking in, and, if there is a breach, they raise the alert that action needs to be taken. This often includes notifying a third-party security company who can attend and investigate on your behalf.

3. Compliance

Intruder alarms are stipulated as a requirement on most commercial property insurance policies. If an insurer knows an investment has been made in an intruder system, and has evidence it is maintained, then the insurance premium will reflect the measures in place. Premiums will certainly be higher if there isn’t a system in place.

To be specific, insurers are likely to stipulate that there is an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) monitored system in situ, and that these prompt alerts and a police response.

Police response isn’t a given

In fact, the Police in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will only register and respond to alarm systems that meet the requirements on the National Police Chiefs’ Council or NPCC. So, it’s worth ensuring your chosen alarm system is on the council’s register, or you could negate the investment you make.

The business case for intruder alarm systems

Aside from the need to comply with the demands of legislation, lowering insurance premiums and ensuring a police response, intruder alarm systems decrease the risk of being broken into in the first place. In the long-term this lowers the associated cost of repair and replacement to buildings and contents caused by intrusion, damage or theft.

Not only that, but an intruder system can be used to help find criminals, and recover stolen goods, and more generally lower the risk of writing off assets in the future. This long-term approach helps protect cash reserves and maximises profits.

If you are interested in finding out how an intruder alarm system could protect your business, then book a free consultation with one of our experts.