The number of break and enters across country are astonishing, with 156,367 B&Es reported in 2013, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.
With statistics like this, brokers don’t have to be Dirty Harry to ask their business clients the question: "Do you feel lucky?"
“Break and enter claims don’t have to be a fact of life and can be substantially reduced through a few simple prevention tips that brokers can pass along to their clients,” says Alex Walker, National Director – Claims Relations of
RSA Canada.
Walker has outlined a few tips that you can share with your small business clients to prevent break and enters.
Protecting your business
- Ensure that all exterior doors have deadbolt locks with minimum one inch bolt into the strike plate;
- Make sure that the front, rear and interior of your business premises are well lit, particularly when closed for business; motion-sensing lights are ideal if possible.
- Protect all grade floor glass with the use of bars, metal screens or burglary resistant glazing materials;
- Install a burglar alarm system which is monitored offsite. It is recommend that the system be certified by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC); make sure that you always activate the alarm system when leaving the premises at the close of business and have it serviced and checked as recommended by the installer or alarm company;
- Arrange the interior layout of the store so that the till and display areas are clearly visible from the exterior of the building; and
- Limit the amount of cash and valuables on site or use an anchored safe if necessary.
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Protecting your computer equipment
- Clamp or lock PCs to desks/work stations. Security kits are available at nominal cost. Make a matter of regular practice that your employees know that they need to keep their laptops and computer equipment locked at all times;
- Back up data and programs on a regular basis and store them offsite in a secure location;
- Laptop computers are portable and easy targets for theft. Do not leave them unsecured or unattended. If travelling – keep them out of site in the trunk of your car, not in the back seat. If you are taking on a plane or train, keep your laptop close at all times. Computers can contain information that is sensitive or critical to your business; and
- Maintain records of serial numbers for all of your computer equipment.
Convincing clients
Small businesses are faced with a wide variety of risks which can lead to crippling losses and potentially the failure of the business itself.
“Comprehensive insurance coverage can help your business recover after an incident,” says Walker. “As brokers your clients are already facing many risks. By sharing the tips above you can help limit their chances of a claim. Of course – the best advice that we have for small business owners themselves is to make sure that they have an independent insurance broker or agent working for them to help them obtain the right coverage for their business at the right price.”
Walker concludes by saying: “There is no substitute for an insurance broker to protect someone’s business, home, car, cottage or other assets. Your independent insurance broker is a key part of your financial protection and security.”
Take the test
What assistance and advice can you offer your clients to help minimize theft related losses?
Test your knowledge by taking RSA’s disaster prevention quiz – 5 quick-fire questions against the clock on break and enter. The timer’s ticking and the competition is tough!
