Friday, 10 June 2016

What to Do after a Break-In at Your Business

A break-in at your business is devastating not only to your assets, but also to your peace of mind. In the shock of arriving to work and discovering your building has been compromised, you might not be able to think of the necessary steps to take. This article will help you know exactly what to do in this situation. Hopefully you’ll never have to use this information, but it’s important to be prepared.

To protect your business, contact BTV Systems to learn about our security products and services.

Discovering the Break-In: What to Do First

If you arrive at work and see that the building has been broken into, don’t enter the premises. It’s possible the perpetrator is still inside. If you didn’t notice the break-in until after entering the building, exit as quickly as possible.

Call the police immediately, and don’t disturb the scene. The authorities will need all of the evidence available. If you have touched or moved something, make a note of it and let the authorities know. Try to give a description of possible damages. If you saw the burglar, give the best description you can.

Ensure staff members on the scene are ok and that police or paramedics know about any injuries. Talk with the police about when you may be able to open for regular operating hours.

Dealing with the Aftermath: Your Next Steps

As soon as possible after you’ve contacted the police, contact your insurance company and give them as much detail as you can. They might need to send someone to the scene to assess the damage. Make sure you understand how to file a claim.

Take inventory of damages and assets. When the police allow you to, walk through the building and take photos. Be sure to check important company documents or files, too. You should create a thorough list of everything that is missing, damaged, or looks like it has been tampered with.

Moving Forward: Prevention Is Key

After things have settled down, review how the break-in might have occurred. Address any weaknesses in your business’ security protocols and make adjustments as necessary. Contact BTV Systems for a consultation, and we’ll help you understand how to keep your business safe. We will work with you to install a security system that is robust and works to prevent a break-in from occurring in the future.