Don’t Fall Victim to Crime in 2025! Here Are Our Top 10 Security Tips for Wiltshire Businesses
January 14, 2025
The beginning of the year can be a vulnerable time for businesses, but with the right professional security solutions in place, you can safeguard your people, property, and assets effectively.
By Jason Grant, Managing Director at CR2 Security Group
As we step into 2025, businesses across Wiltshire and its local towns are gearing up for a productive year ahead. Amid the hustle and bustle of starting anew, it’s crucial to prioritise the security of your premises, people, and assets. The beginning of the year can be a vulnerable time for businesses, but with the right professional security solutions in place, you can safeguard your people, property, and assets effectively.
Wiltshire is often perceived as a peaceful county, but the crime statistics for 2024 paint a much grimmer picture for local business owners. While the overall crime rate of 54 incidents per 1,000 residents may appear moderate, commercial establishments are increasingly bearing the brunt of this criminal activity.
Among the most alarming figures are those related to theft and burglary. Shoplifting alone accounted for nearly 3,700 incidents, signalling persistent challenges for retailers of all sizes. Additionally, commercial burglaries have become a growing concern, with businesses in towns like Swindon, Salisbury, and Chippenham particularly vulnerable. These crimes not only lead to financial loss but also disrupt operations and tarnish customer trust.
Vehicle crime, a critical issue for businesses reliant on transportation and delivery, surged by over 10% in 2024, with nearly 2,400 reported incidents. For small businesses, a stolen van or damaged delivery truck can spell disaster.
Even violent crime trends indirectly impact commercial enterprises. With over 17,000 violent incidents reported in 2024, businesses face increased risks to employees and customers alike. Knife-related offences, a particularly disturbing trend, continue to rise, creating a climate of fear that deters foot traffic and impacts sales.
These rising crime rates are compounded by the lack of adequate preventative measures in many businesses. Weak deterrence, insufficient surveillance, and undertrained staff make commercial properties easy targets for opportunistic and professional criminals. Businesses across Wiltshire must act now to protect their premises, employees, and assets.
2025 must be the year for businesses to prioritise security and resilience. With the right measures, such as those offered by CR2 Security Group, Wiltshire’s enterprises can stay ahead of these escalating threats and ensure a safer future for their operations. Let’s explore the top 10 security tips to protect your premises in the new year.
Mobile security patrols are one of the most cost-effective ways to deter criminal activity. Studies have shown that mobile patrols can reduce crime and criminality by up to a whopping 96%! Think of them as your business’s highly visible protective presence, conducting random yet prescheduled checks, monitoring your property, and keeping everything in order.
At CR2 Security Group, our mobile patrol officers are well-trained to spot suspicious activity, check for maintenance issues, and provide real-time reports on their findings. With custom patrols to suit all businesses, our mobile security patrols offer peace of mind and a robust deterrent against crime. They are particularly beneficial during commercial property inspections, ensuring your premises remain secure and well-maintained.
Burglars often target hidden or less visible entry points, such as side doors, back windows, and gates. Start the new year by inspecting all locks and repairing and rectifying any weaknesses.
This simple step can make a significant difference. Strong locks and visible reinforcements signal to would-be intruders that your business isn’t worth the trouble. Consider adding deadbolts, window locks, and reinforced doors to increase security further.
An operational intruder alarm and CCTV system are indispensable. Regularly test your systems to ensure they’re working flawlessly, with no blind spots or technical glitches.
Outsource alarm response responsibilities to a professional security company like CR2 Security Group. Based in Wiltshire and with a current 24-minute average alarm response time, we offer prompt alarm response services, sparing you the inconvenience and risk of responding personally.
The last person out should conduct a thorough walkthrough of the premises. Check doors are locked, windows are closed, valuable equipment is securely stored, and unplug non-essential items to reduce fire risk. A secure building is a happy building!
For extra security, consider CR2 Security Group’s affordable yet professional commercial lock-and-unlock service. We ensure your property is locked up properly every night, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Being called out in the middle of the night to respond to an alarm can be both inconvenient and unsafe, particularly if you’ve not been given any training. With our keyholding and alarm response services, CR2 Security Group ensures a professional and rapid response every time. We handle everything, so you can rest assured your business is protected by Wiltshire’s finest security experts.
Your staff plays a critical role in maintaining your business’s security. Ensure they’re trained to recognise potential threats and know how to respond appropriately and what actions to take. From identifying suspicious behaviour to understanding emergency protocols, a well-informed team can act as an additional layer of protection.
Offer regular security training sessions and workshops, which can be tailored to your business’s specific needs.
Ensuring your premises are properly locked and unlocked each day is an often overlooked aspect of business security. Mistakes in this routine can lead to vulnerabilities, leaving your property and assets at huge risk.
CR2 Security Group offers a professional lock-and-unlock service that guarantees your premises are secure at all times. Our highly trained personnel ensure that every entry point is properly locked or opened as per your requirements, adding a layer of assurance to your daily operations. This service not only reduces risks but also saves you time and effort.
Criminals thrive in the dark. Well-lit premises can significantly deter criminal activity by removing hiding spots and increasing overall visibility. Install motion-sensor lighting around key entry points, parking areas, and walkways.
Landscaping can also significantly impact your business’s security. Overgrown shrubs and trees can provide hiding spots for intruders, making it easier for them to approach your premises unnoticed. Regularly trim vegetation around your property to eliminate these potential cover areas. Additionally, installing clear and visible security signage is an effective deterrent. When criminals see signs indicating the presence of CCTV, alarm systems, or professional security services, they are more likely to think twice about targeting your business.
By maintaining clear sightlines to and from your building, you not only reduce potential risks but also create a safer and more secure environment for employees and customers. Good landscaping, combined with strategic security measures, ensures your property remains both accessible and well-protected.
Access control systems allow you to monitor and restrict who can enter your premises. From key card systems to biometric scanners, modern technology provides robust options to enhance security.
Install systems that log entry and exit times, enabling you to track employee movement. For businesses with multiple locations, centralised access control can ensure consistency across all sites. Regularly review and update access permissions to account for personnel changes.
The best way to stay ahead of potential threats is to conduct regular security audits. Assess your current measures, identify vulnerabilities, and update protocols as needed.
CR2 Security Group offers comprehensive audits and free security surveys to all Wiltshire-based businesses that will offer tailored advice on findings. Whether it’s physical security or operational procedures, our experts can provide actionable insights to fortify your defences to reduce the risk of any potential threat.
CR2 Security Group is a trusted, independently owned, SIA-approved security company dedicated to enhancing the safety and security of communities across Wiltshire and Northeast Somerset. Founded with a clear mission to deliver consistent, high-quality security services, we take pride in protecting what matters most to our clients.
Based in Wiltshire, we offer a comprehensive range of professional security solutions tailored to meet the needs of both commercial and residential clients.
With a strong presence in key towns and cities, we serve Westbury, Warminster, Trowbridge, Bath, Melksham, Calne, Devizes, Chippenham, Salisbury, Amesbury, Corsham, Frome, Bradford-on-Avon, Radstock, Midsomer Norton, Swindon, Bristol, and beyond.
At CR2 Security Group, we’re committed to delivering reliable, expert security solutions that give you absolute peace of mind. Ready to learn more about our services? For personalised assistance, contact our team at 0330 1339 142 or email jason@cr2security.com. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form by clicking here, and a member of our team will be in contact.
Want to step up your security? Get in touch with CR2 Security for a free security survey!
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