Why commercial theft research matters
Before launching a new product line, hiring a new employee, changing your business strategy, or relocating, research can help you make the best decision. Your company’s security deserves the same amount of attention. After all commercial theft costs U.S. businesses billions of dollars each year. It’s important to examine crime statistics in your area and industry, including why thieves target certain businesses, so you know what you’re up against when it comes to crime and how to keep your site secure.
To follow crime trends, learn about risks in your area, and more, check out these websites.
Government Websites
Federal Bureau of Investigation Crime Data Explorer
This FBI site gathers crime reports from across the country. While commercial crime cannot be displayed by address, you can view crime data for cities and states and filter results by type of crime.
National Crime Victimization Survey
The National Crime Victimization Survey, an annual survey conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics covers various types of crime including theft and commercial property crime.
National Incident-Based Reporting System
NIBRS is a national database of crime incidents reported to law enforcement agencies in the US. It includes information on commercial property crime, such as the type of crime, location, and characteristics of the offender.
Uniform Crime Reporting System
The UCRS creates reliable statistics for use by law enforcement, criminal justice students, researchers, the media, and the public. The UCR Program includes data from more than 18,000 city, university, county, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Bureau of Justice Statistics
The Bureau of Justice Statistics has a section on property crime that includes data on burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, which can be filtered to focus on commercial property.
Local Police Departments
Your local police department’s website will likely have neighborhood crime mapping functionality that can show you crimes in your area.
Other Crime Reporting Websites
CrimeMapping.com
CrimeMapping.com provides crime maps and statistics for various cities in the U.S. Just type in your address to instantly see crime data in your area. Filters for many different types of crime, as well as date filters, help you understand your business’s unique risks.
City Protect
City Protect connects you to your area’s police authority website. It also reports crime by type and location via an easy-to-use map feature.
National Insurance Crime Bureau
NICB provides resources to help you prevent, detect, investigate, and deter insurance fraud and vehicle theft crimes at your business.
Security Industry Association
This nonprofit trade association for the security industry offers a wealth of resources, reports, publications, education, and more. Check out the research section on their website to find reports on security trends and issues.
Insurance Company Reports
Insurance companies collect in-depth data on commercial property crime as part of the risk assessment and underwriting processes. Call your insurance company and ask if they can provide the information you’re looking for. They probably can!
What to do with the information you find
While these websites provide you with comprehensive information about crime in your area, you need to know what proactive steps to take. Staying ahead to proactively safeguard yourself, your employees, and your business, needs to be at the top of your list—before you become a statistic.
Choosing a proactive approach to crime prevention is far superior to a reactive one in terms of affordability, convenience, stress, and reputation. If you want to start preventing crime at your business today, download our Proactive vs. Reactive Guide now.
The most powerful piece of crime research: Am I doing enough?
Are there any hidden security vulnerabilities at your business that could make it a prime target for theft? Find out with our FREE Threat Assessment. Our security experts will analyze your location, operations, and security system to determine if there are any vulnerabilities that could put you at risk.
