Small Business Crime Index released

Over 1,000 small-to-medium business (SMB) owners and employees recently took part in a survey that was designed to gauge their thoughts and feelings on crime in the workplace.

ADT Security's 'Small Business Crime Index' revealed that nearly a quarter of all workers (23 per cent) believe their employers could be doing a whole lot more to "minimise the incidence of crimes like robbery, shoplifting, internal theft, break-in, vandalism and assault".

The survey's participants were asked what would make them feel safer in the workplace. The overwhelming majority (46 per cent) said they just wanted to be working alongside at least one other person at all times.

Out of those who had already fallen victim to some form of security threat, 17 per cent revealed they were too afraid to be at work all on their own.

A further 25 per cent explained that having more training on "security systems and procedures" would go a long way toward making them feel more secure at the office.

This statistic is not surprising, given that a shocking 37 per cent of the employers who took part in the survey admitted to never training their staff on security procedures.

That's not all, however. A disturbing 14 per cent of SMB owners said that they don't have any measures in place to reduce crime or protect their employees!

"While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of crime, a comprehensive security plan that takes into consideration employee safety concerns can help reduce the risk," said ADT Security's Michael Bates in a September 9 statement.

If you're putting together a security plan, you may want to talk to the team at Elders Insurance about organising a business insurance policy.

We can talk you through your cover options, such as business property insurance and business vehicle insurance, and make sure you get the policy that best suits your company's needs.