Is it time to rethink your security?

As is true to recent form in the UK, crime rates are on the rise according to several high profile reports. The Office for National Statistics reported that 6.3 million crimes were recorded in the year to March 2022. “Recorded crime in England and Wales has hit a 20-year high as the proportion of offences leading to court action fell to a new low, official figures show.

In 2021-22, only 5.6% of offences led to a suspect being charged, compared with 16% in 2014-15. This dangerous trend of increasing crime coupled with declining convictions is concerning for both the general public and businesses alike.

This increase in crime rates isn’t just affecting counties in the South East. There have been several localised reports in the UK of record high crime rates including ‘record crime rates in Norfolk’ as well as Bradford being voted the most dangerous city in Europe according to the Expatriate Consultancy. People in the Cumbrian countryside are being warned of a 34% increase in car thefts (specifically Land Rover Defenders) leading to insurance companies urging owners to ‘take sensible security measures’ as a result.

Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, said: “Hundreds of thousands more criminals are getting away with appalling crimes and more victims are being let down… That’s the shocking reality behind today’s figures.”

Is the Justice System failing?

Confidence in the police in England and Wales has been shaken by a series of scandals, internal issues and strikes, and cutbacks often being blamed for the main root of the problem.

In June, it emerged that six forces, a record high, had been judged as failing so badly that they needed special help (view source). The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, blamed “12 years of massive cuts”, leading to the loss of 21,000 officers, in response to news that the Met had become the latest force to be placed under special measures.

Inflation adds insult to injury

Meanwhile, it has been suggested that the current cost of living crisis will inevitably trigger an increase in crime – specifically in relation to food thefts. Recent figures showed that supermarket thefts had risen by 22%. Additional data from ‘My Favourite Voucher Codes’ details showed that 34% of 2,584 UK shoppers surveyed admitted to having stolen products at self-service checkouts in the last year.

To combat this rise in retail theft, some retailers have even gone as far as using security tags on items that are normally untagged:

Rocketing food prices have forced supermarkets to place anti-theft electronic security tags on normally untagged items. 

Time to tighten up your security measures?

The current state of affairs has highlighted that it may no longer be enough to rely on the powers-that-be to protect your business, site or premises from the rapidly rising threat of crime. With energy costs set to rise again in October and then January, the idea of civil unrest is enough to warrant the cost of additional security measures to mitigate risks.

Protecting against theft and break ins: as theft is one of the biggest immediate threats resulting from the current climate, businesses should look to invest in securing their assets via a combination of physical and technological security measures. More often than not, security breaches occur via entry through doors and windows. Even the strongest of locks can’t withstand high pressure and forced entry.

Protecting outdoor spaces: the rise in criminal activity isn’t just limited to those looking to break into buildings. It’s not uncommon for car parks or large open spaces to be subject to anti-social behaviour such as fly-tipping, traveller settlements, ram-raiding and more. 

Protection against physical threats: recent reports stated physical crimes are seeing the sharpest rise in the last year. It’s often best to meet physical threats with physical prevention in the first instance so investing in dog units, security guards and manned guarding services is advisable.

Where should I start?

For any security-conscious business, the first step is to undertake a security risk assessment to highlight any security weak points and/or areas of particular vulnerability that your business, property or site currently faces. Watchful Eye Security provide free risk assessments alongside friendly advice regarding all aspects of security. Please contact us to arrange your assessment.