The security landscape for UK businesses has become increasingly treacherous over the past year. As security measures evolve across commercial districts nationwide, statistics confirm what many business owners already suspect, we're facing a growing problem.
Alarming Trends
The numbers tell a troubling story. According to the latest Crime Survey for England and Wales, there were approximately 9.5 million incidents of headline crime in the year preceding September 2024, a concerning 12% increase compared to the previous year (Office for National Statistics).
For retailers and commercial property owners, the situation is particularly dire. Robberies at business properties hit an unprecedented high of 12,000 incidents last year, that's roughly 33 incidents every single day and represents a staggering 52% increase from the previous year (The Times).
Even more worrying is the rise in workplace violence. The Health and Safety Executive reported 642,000 incidents of violence at work in 2023/24, affecting 279,000 workers.
Why Now?
Several factors seem to be converging to create this perfect storm of security challenges.
The ongoing economic pressures facing many communities have created an environment where property crimes become more common. This isn't just petty theft either, organized criminal groups are increasingly targeting businesses with sophisticated operations.
Proactive Measures
Businesses that have successfully reduced their security incidents tend to employ several key strategies:
Physical security upgrades have proven essential. Modern surveillance systems with advanced capabilities have proven effective at preventing break-ins and other security breaches.
Staff training has emerged as perhaps the most cost-effective approach. When employees know how to recognize suspicious behaviour and respond appropriately to security threats, businesses see immediate improvements in their security profile.
Understanding the latest security risks helps businesses make informed decisions to protect their people, assets, and operations. A proactive approach to security is now more important than ever.