Walking into your business office or retail store to find that it’s been burglarized or robbed can be traumatic, no matter how long you’ve been in business. You may feel hypervigilant and unsafe as you go in to work, and that’s no way to live your life. In the aftermath of a burglary at your business, take these initial steps to recoup your losses and strengthen security measures going forward.
Notify the Police
As soon as you notice that your property has fallen victim to burglars, get to a safe location and call the police. The burglars may still be nearby, so stay outside and prevent anyone else from entering the premises until the police arrive.
Call Your Insurer
You should have a business insurance policy that covers physical damage to your property from events like tornadoes, fires, and burglaries. Notify your insurance company of the robbery immediately after calling the police. Waiting too long to start the claims process is a common mistake made by business insurance claimants and can lead to unnecessary complications with your claim.
Inventory Missing Items
Once the police have secured the premises and you’ve begun filing your insurance claim, walk through your property and make a list of all the things that are missing. Take photos and videos of everything that’s been damaged. You may need a few dedicated employees who are familiar with the business to help you identify what’s been stolen.
Beef Up Security
As the police conduct their investigation, they may locate weak spots in your security system that allowed the burglars to get in. Take this break-in as a learning opportunity! Investigators will help you identify vulnerabilities and can make recommendations to strengthen your security.
For example, if the burglars got in using a key, you will need to change all your locks and ask your staff if any of their keys went missing. If they got in by smashing a window, invest in stronger windows made of tempered glass.
Recovering from a burglary at your business can induce an understandable sense of anxiety. Take these initial steps after the break-in to secure a settlement from your insurer, help the police with their investigation, and implement stronger security measures.
Also, read: 4 Basic Security Measures All Retail Businesses Should Have In Place
