The number one threat against businesses is theft. Thus, executing an excellent commercial security plan is an excellent way to protect your small business.

However, another looming threat to small community businesses is vandalism.

Vandalism can cause hefty expenses and significant damage to your business. The unfortunate reality is all commercial properties are susceptible to this type of community threat.

Smart and Simple Measures

However, there is hope. Taking some smart and simple commercial security measures to protect your small business against vandalism is possible.

This will save your company money. Also, this gives you the peace of mind and security you need.

What Is Vandalism?

Before we talk about the adequate security measures for your commercial property, let’s first discuss what vandalism is.

Vandalism goes beyond illegal graffiti. This type of offense is a premeditated act of destruction or defamation on someone else’s property.

Some common types of vandalism, apart from graffiti and spray painting, includes arson, breaking windows, salting lawns, throwing an object on power lines, ransacking a property, egg throwing, and tagging, slashing tires at a place that sells cars, or generally just damaging your property’s premises.

When an offender is caught, the type of sentence they’ll get will depend on the amount of financial or emotional damages.

Why Would Anyone Commit Such Offense?

Some individuals are compelled to vandalize due to the following reasons:

• Voicing out frustration at a business or organization, with the hopes of punishing them.
• Communicating political belief or ideology.
• Expressing hate.
• Showcasing gang membership connections.

Impact of Vandalism

Vandalism to any commercial property significantly affects the business. The main effect is the money wasted on cleaning, repairs, and replacement. Aside from these, the primary impact of this type of offense is the potential disruption and interference to business operations – resulting in loss of revenue.

If the damage is not repaired right away, this could also have a negative impact on your brand, particularly in how consumers recognize and perceive your company.

This negative impression will most likely result in lost revenues. What’s worse, other nuisance groups may target your business as well.

How to Prevent Vandalism

As a small business owner, you need to enforce a sound and reliable commercial security plan.

Install proper lighting throughout the premises.

Offenders do not want to be caught. This means they operate at night to avoid getting seen. They target commercial properties in the dark, so they can easily stay hidden while they perform the act.

By making sure the area around your promises is bright throughout the night, you will frighten vandals from even targeting your property.

Additionally, you can walk around your premises at night and see where the dark areas are. Those are the spots you especially need to install proper lighting.

Initiate a dialogue with the local police.

If you have encountered an irate or disgruntled individual – whether it’s a customer or former employee, initiate a dialogue with your local authorities.

Additionally, if you’re located in an area suffering from a stint of vandalism or if you have any hunch that makes your business a target, speak to the local police right away.

Authorities, as well as businesses close by, will be more open to working with you to make sure that your area is well protected.

Make sure your business looks neat and well-maintained.

While this may seem like a given, making sure that your premises look neat and presentable will significantly help deter potential vandals. When vandals see that you have a well-maintained, well-lit property, they will assume that your commercial security efforts are in place. This will lead them to believe that should they do anything wrong; they most likely won’t get away with it.

Employ a verified commercial security surveillance system.

By employing a reliable commercial security surveillance system, you’ll ensure that you have a security solution designed to catch offenders in the act.

Surveillance systems are developed to notify emergency responders and local authorities immediately when a threat is detected. This means real-time security solution.

This is also an effective method of minimizing damages to your business assets. Work with a reputable commercial security provider. They are experienced to design a security solution tailored to fit your requirements and preferences.