Immediate Steps to Take After a Commercial Business Break-In

Have you found yourself in the unfortunate situation of a business break-in? Just when you think your site is secure, another break-in happens. The cameras just show you what you’ve lost, and security guards can’t be everywhere at once. It’s a frustrating situation that impacts business operations and can put your team on edge.

It’s time for real answers and proven solutions. Let’s review the immediate steps to take after a business break-in.

Step 1: Secure the Scene and Ensure Safety 

If you discover a break-in after hours, your first priority is to ensure safety and preserve evidence. Here’s what you should do:

1. Stay outside: Don’t enter any building until you are sure it’s safe. The intruder might still be inside, or there could be hazards like broken glass from a forced entry.
2. Contact the police: Call 911 immediately. Provide the police with as much information as possible about the situation. Stay in a safe location outside of any buildings and wait for the officers to arrive.
3. Leave evidence undisturbed: Resist the urge to clean up or move items. Leave any points of entry undisturbed, such as broken windows or doors, to preserve evidence.
4. Document the exterior: If it’s safe and possible to do so, take photos or videos of the exterior and any visible damage.
5. Cooperate with law enforcement: When the police arrive, give them all the information you have, including any observations about the break-in and what might be missing.

Step 2: Document the Damage and Notify Stakeholders

Once law enforcement gives the all-clear, you can begin documenting the scene inside. Avoid disturbing any potential evidence until the police have completed their investigation. Take comprehensive photos and videos of the damage. It’s essential to capture both wide-angle shots of the entire area and close-ups of details, such as forced entry points and any missing elements. You can also start making a checklist of all damaged or missing items, including descriptions, serial numbers, and estimated values. Store all photos, videos, and notes securely with digital copies.

Once you have a clear picture, the next step is to notify any stakeholders:

• Contact your insurance provider: Notify your insurance company of the break-in as soon as possible. Provide them with all necessary documentation, including the police report, crime reference number, photos, and inventory losses.
• Inform property management and security: If applicable, notify your property management and security company about the break-in. They may need to take additional measures to secure the premises.
• Communicate with employees and partners: Notify all affected team members and partners about the incident as soon as possible. Reassure employees of their safety, outline immediate steps being taken, and provide information on available support resources, such as counseling.
• Notify customers: If the break-in affects your ability to serve customers or if their data might be at risk, consider issuing a public statement or direct communication. Transparency is key to maintaining trust and preventing the spread of misinformation.

Step 3: Evaluate Security Weaknesses Exposed by the Break-In

The next step is to review how the break-in happened and identify any weaknesses in your current security system. Perform a thorough walk-through to identify weak points and determine how the intruder gained access to your premises, such as via forced entry, an unlocked entryway, or a security loophole.

You can also examine any available CCTV footage and alarm logs to understand the sequence of events. Look for any signs of tampering or bypassing of security systems. This can provide insights into how the intruders operated and where your security measures failed.

There are common elements that make commercial businesses attractive targets, including:

• Damaged or inadequate fencing: Gaps, rust, broken, or cut sections in chain-link fencing make it easy for intruders to slip in undetected.
• Outdated or unmonitored cameras: Security cameras need to record, cover all blind spots, and be monitored in order to catch intruders.
• Dimly lit areas: Poor lighting around buildings, parking lots, or storage yards gives criminals cover to move unseen.
• Lack of alarm integration: Alarms that activate when a perimeter breach is detected give criminals less time to commit the crime before authorities arrive.
• Dense vegetation: Overgrown bushes or trees near fences and entry points provide hiding spots and help conceal criminal activity.
• No visible deterrents: Criminals see sites without obvious security measures as easy wins.
• Outdoor equipment and inventory: Vehicles, tools, and many other valuable items left outside are easy, high-value targets for thieves.

Step 4: Begin Your Business Break-In Recovery Protocols

Having a business theft recovery plan in place means you can address security weaknesses, resume operations quickly, and support affected staff. Take the following steps as part of your protocols:

1. Assess operational impact: Evaluate how the break-in has affected your business operations. Identify critical areas that need immediate attention to resume business as usual.
2. Prioritize critical repairs: Focus on temporary repairs to secure the premises. Consider increasing monitoring as a short-term deterrent to prevent further incidents.
3. Keep your team updated: Maintain open communication with employees throughout the recovery process. Share progress and any changes to policies or procedures.
4. Engage with customers and partners: Communicate with customers and partners to maintain trust. Provide updates on the recovery process and any changes to operations or security measures.
5. Review and strengthen policies: Reassess your security protocols, including employee training and education. Ensure that all staff are aware of security measures and understand their role in maintaining a safe, secure environment.

Overall, it’s important to use this experience to improve your business operations and security posture to ensure better preparedness for future incidents.

Step 5: Break the Cycle for Good With a Multi-Layered Security Strategy

If you’ve experienced repeated business break-ins despite trying alarms, cameras, and locks, you’re not alone. Many property and site managers feel stuck in a frustrating loop of patching up after each incident, only to be targeted again. Here’s how you can break the cycle for good:

• Start with a threat assessment: Most repeat break-ins exploit vulnerabilities that are often overlooked. With a threat assessment, perimeter security experts can identify weak points in your current security approach and recommend solutions.
• Implement layers of security: While cameras and alarms play an essential role, they are only a reactive form of security. A multi-layered, proactive perimeter security strategy starts with electric fencing that delivers a safe but memorable shock to would-be intruders. Integrate alarm-based security lights, video surveillance cameras, and 24/7 remote video monitoring for a multi-layered security approach.
• Integrate access control and procedures: Many break-ins occur through poorly secured or vulnerable gates and entryways. Keys can get lost, basic locks can break, and sign-in sheets can be misplaced. Commercial access control systems ensure that only authorized personnel can gain access to your site.
• Protect your buildings from unauthorized access: Safeguard offices, warehouses, or other vulnerable buildings on your commercial site with building intrusion detection systems, including features like wireless motion detection and door contacts.

Protect Your Business Once and For All With AMAROK

Experiencing a break-in at your site can be daunting and disrupt your business. Swift action, transparent communication, and strategic investments in security will help protect your assets and restore confidence among employees and customers. AMAROK’s perimeter security solutions are designed to prevent break-ins proactively, preventing 99% of external theft for customers after installation.

Safeguard your property, your people, and your profits once and for all. Contact AMAROK for a free threat assessment today.