Theft is an unfortunate reality for all business owners. Whether a theft is committed by a total outsider, a customer, or an employee, it is something that your business must try to both prevent and protect itself against.

Theft Prevention

There are many ways that you can help prevent theft within your business. Some of these include:

• Installing alarms: Having alarms on doors and windows throughout your business will help create a more difficult environment for thieves. Some alarm systems may also notify the police of a break in, resulting in quick action to help stem losses.
• Mounting cameras: The presence of a camera can deter would-be thieves from attempting to steal from your business. Having real cameras can also increase the possibility that someone who does steal will be identified and found and your property restored.
• Changing locks: When a key-holding employee is voluntarily or involuntarily terminated, get your locks changed. While it may be frustrating to do so, it reduces the risk that your former employee will be able to access your place of business after having made a copy of your key. If your business has a lot of turnover, then you may wish to restrict the number of employees who have access to keys so changing the locks doesn’t become a frequent event.
• Change alarm codes: Just as businesses run the risk of employees making copies of keys before leaving the company they also run the risk of employee accessing the property by using alarm codes. Changing alarm codes when an employee leaves who was privy to them will reduce this risk.
• Change computer passwords: As an added layer of protection, change your computer passwords after employees leave your company. If they had remote access to your system, you may want to talk to your IT department about restricting that access as well.

Theft Protection

Preventative measures will help reduce the risk of theft in your business, but they can't wipe it out completely. Having the right commercial property, cyber risk and other insurance policies will help you get reimbursed should your business become a victim of theft. To get your Maryland Business Insurance policies in order today, give us a call at McFarlin Insurance Agency.