At a time when retail businesses are feeling the pinch even more, it is worth re-evaluating the security measures which have been put into place to safeguard both the business and its staff. Perhaps, it is also time re-read the insurance policy to make sure that you are fully covered for theft and vandalism and also comply fully with its terms and conditions.

It is a sad fact that every day thousands of businesses suffer at the hands of theft, fraud and vandalism, costing millions every year. Whilst most businesses recover, there are some which do not. Finding out that your insurance policy was invalidated for some simple reason or simply having to wait a long time for settlement can be disastrous.

There are a few basic checkpoints which you should work your way through as soon as possible to make sure that your business is as reasonably protected as possible and to ensure that you get settlement quickly should the worst happen.

The first thing to do is to read carefully your business's insurance policy, because this will include the minimum requirements. If you do not adhere to these minimum security requirements then your policy may be invalid, and any theft or damage caused will not be covered. In most cases, this policy will cover physical means of security such as locks, but it may also cover procedures, and it is often the procedures which can become sloppy and unreliable, especially as the business grows and develops.

Firstly, check the security of the building. Are all of the external doors fitted with secure locks and bolts? Are the windows also fitted with strong locks? Very often, it is possible for a window or door to be overlooked – a cellar door or a skylight for example, so make absolutely sure that any external access, no matter how small, is fully covered by the appropriate security locks. Of course, the best locks in the world are no good at all if they are not being used properly, so whilst you are checking the locks, monitor the usage as well.

With the laws governing smoking becoming ever stricter, this has often led to a decrease in security. By having windows left ajar, or rear doors unlocked to allow staff to pop outside for a quick smoke, it can often result in these areas being unsupervised and left unlocked. If this is the case, any theft is unlikely to be covered by your insurance since it will be deemed to have been down to irresponsibility on your part.

Whilst you are checking the skylights, think about the roof. A great many retail businesses are broken into by means of the roof, and it is very easy to overlook such an obvious route into your premises. Flimsy roofing, easily lifted or hinged apart at joints will prove to be no obstacle to the determined burglar.

All external doors and windows, as well as internal doors and spaces should be covered by an effective security alarm. However, there are two or three points to consider even if you have had an alarm installed.

Firstly, if your alarm system is wired up to the phone system, so that it can automatically alert the police in the event of a break-in, how secure is the phone line? If your phone line runs externally up the wall of your retail shop, it is the easiest thing in the world to simply cut the wire and disable the alarm. Go for an alarm system that automatically alerts the police if the signal from it is lost.

Another issue relating to alarm systems is how well they are actually used. If the alarm is rarely switched on because it goes off too easily, then this is clearly a waste of money and time. If the alarm system was incorrectly purchased or installed, then it may well be triggered by a fly, external noise or even a power surge. If this is the case, rather than ignoring the alarm, and switching it off, have it replaced or correctly configured. Not using an alarm system could invalidate any claim. It is also important to test your alarm regularly to make sure it really does work the way it is supposed to.

If you have no stock, and carry out all of your work online, then you may have different security needs to the retailer who stocks thousands of dollars worth of electrical items. But make sure that any stock or items you do have are security marked and listed carefully on an inventory.

Finally if some event causes you a huge loss, get an expert in to help you with your claim. You are much more likely to get paid with their help. In most cases, the extra money they manage to get for you from the insurance company will more than offset their charges. Another benefit to using an insurance expert is that it leaves you more time to pick up the pieces and carry on doing business whist they make sure that your claim is handled quickly and efficiently.

The retail industry faces the grim reality of burglaries and vandalism every day. Spend time now to help safeguard the survival of your business should the worst happen and use the services of an expert when making a big claim.