A recent increase in instances of smash-and-grab burglaries throughout New England has resulted in thousands of dollars worth of stolen merchandise and property damage. If you sell high-value items, these unfortunate events serve as a reminder to audit your existing security system. 

The most effective security strategies incorporate elements that prevent, limit the impact, and assist in the aftermath of a robbery. Here are our suggestions for preparing your business for smash-and-grabs.

Place multiple employees on the sales floor

Having employees present on the sales floor to greet everyone who enters your store makes it harder for thieves to go unnoticed. For safety reasons, employees should never intervene in a smash-and-grab, but having them there could help deter burglars. In the event of a burglary, your employees may be able to identify the suspect. 

Spread out high-value items

Avoid clustering all of your high-value merchandise in one area of your shop. Instead, distribute it throughout the space. This way, in the event of a smash-and-grab, the thieves will be less likely to take off with all of your most valuable inventory.  

Invest in burglar-proof glass

If you have window displays or glass cases highlighting your merchandise, consider investing in security glass. This fortified glass is designed to protect against weapons and objects like hammers, axes, and even bricks. Additionally, it prevents injury by holding its shape even when shattered. There are several different types of security glass on the market, and it is often used in settings like jewelry stores, pharmacies, and liquor stores. 

Use video surveillance

The prospect of being caught on video is often enough to deter burglars, and it can also help the police identify thieves should a theft occur.  Video surveillance systems that offer integrated video monitoring, enable you to record when motion is detected, or doors are opened. You can also use our access control feature to limit access to rooms holding inventory in the event of a break-in. 

A video surveillance system can also help in the event of injury claims should anyone be hurt during a burglary, and they can help lower your insurance premiums.   

Smash-and-grabs are difficult to predict, but with a thoughtfully designed security strategy in place, you can rest easier knowing that you’ve taken steps to reduce your risks.

Make sure there is a response

It’s important that when an alarm goes off, there is a response. Perpetrators are “testing” sites by setting off alarms and then waiting. If there is no response, they proceed with a break-in. It’s a best practice for all alarm events to result in a response at the site, whether by an employee or the police. This response allows for potential robbers to know that the alarm is working, and the organization is paying attention. Actions employees can take include being familiar with the security system (how to arm/disarm it, for example), making sure the appropriate people are on the call list, and knowing the right passwords to any relevant accounts or devices.

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