Businesses, big and small, are all susceptible to security threats. Security threats come in various forms and situations and may not be immediately apparent. However, they can have devastating effects on a business and its employees, both physically, financially and emotionally.
Therefore, it is vital to know the common physical security threats to a business in order for adequate protection to be put in place that will not only reduce the risks but also prevent them from happening in the first place. This is especially pertinent as recent data indicates that crime against businesses in England and Wales remains a significant concern, with many sectors facing an increase in the complexity of physical breaches.
A security threat is a particular cause of an incident that may result in some sort of loss or harm, both financially or physically. Today, security threats can be both physically, such as an intrusion into a premise, or cyber-related, such as the hacking of a computer system.
Although cyber-attacks can equally be as destructive as physical ones and are something businesses need to protect against with appropriate cyber security measures, physical security threats are still a common risk to any business and its livelihood, impacting the site itself, its employees and visitors as well as the financial burden. Whether you operate in the retail sector or manage a high-security logistics facility, understanding these vulnerabilities is the first step toward resilience.
Burglary and theft are common security threats within businesses. Businesses can hold many valuable items that can make them a target, such as computers and top of the range tech items, vehicles, expensive tools and equipment, important and confidential documents, cash registers and also valuable stock and retail items.
Businesses are therefore often a target for burglary and theft, with criminals being both opportunistic and careful planners when it comes to both these types of crimes. Therefore careful security measures need to be put in place to deter them in the first place and catch them if they go on to carry out the crime.
There are various physical security measures that businesses can adopt to reduce their risk of burglary and theft. A high-quality security system is the first step, with integrated CCTV and intruder alarm systems. Both of these will first act to deter criminals from targeting a business in the first place. The majority of criminals will want to carry out their crimes as quickly as possible without drawing attention to themselves or getting caught.
CCTV cameras are therefore a proven way to deter and catch criminals in the act. An intruder alarm system is also a deterrent, as well as having the ability to alert the business owner or alarm monitoring company that a break-in has occurred, in which the police can be called. You can learn more about how security system certification and what insurers look for to ensure your equipment meets professional standards.
There are other systems available to deter and stop burglars in their tracks such as fogging systems. These expel non-toxic fog rapidly into an area that has been broken into with the help of motion sensors. This, therefore, confuses an intruder and adds an extra barrier to their escape.
A business’ access control system can also be used to reduce the physical security risk of burglary and theft by restricting their escape routes until the police arrive.
Workplace violence is often an overlooked physical security risk to businesses. However, violence in the workplace is more common than one might think. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there were an estimated 687,000 incidents of violence at work in the latest reporting period. It is also documented that work-related violence is often carried out by a stranger, which includes customers, site visitors, and the general public. It is therefore important to protect your employees from such acts, especially those in public-facing roles, as well as make sure the perpetrators are prosecuted for their actions.
The most effective physical security measure to protect your employees from workplace violence is a CCTV system. The use of surveillance cameras will not only capture the footage of the violent act, which can then be used in evidence as well as to identify the perpetrator, but will also act as a deterrent. Understanding the role of security systems in preventing workplace violence is crucial for creating a safer working environment.
To add another layer of protection, businesses can have their CCTV system professionally monitored for potential workplace violence. Live CCTV footage will be monitored 24/7 and if any violence or abuse occurs, the monitoring operatives will respond in the most effective way. That could be with a police or emergency services response or by contacting the site manager.
Unaccounted visitors can oppose a big security risk to a business. Due to not knowing the intention of their visit, they could be planning to carry out any number of violent or criminal acts. This risk is particularly high in the healthcare sector or within educational facilities, where vulnerable populations must be protected. It is therefore important that a business knows exactly who is on their premises at any given time.
Firstly, having a clear visitor process or procedure in place is key. Another way to reduce unaccounted visitors is to have a strong access control system in place. This, therefore, limits access to a site only to those that have been granted approved access by the site manager.
Some CCTV systems can also be used for facial recognition and therefore will notify key personnel when it catches a non-authorised individual on-site. Managing these workflows effectively is a core part of managing access control in large commercial premises where foot traffic is high.
Tailgating is whereby an individual follows someone else into a secure building, even if it has access control in place. A determined criminal will use this method, playing on the kindness and manners of others to gain access. For example, many will hold the door open to others behind them without a second thought.
Although difficult to stop a determined criminal, there are some physical security measures to reduce tailgating. Anti-tailgating barriers and entrances can be installed, which only allow one, authorised individual to enter at a time.
A monitored CCTV system or video analytics can also be used to reduce tailgating. Events can be set up within the system to identify more than one individual entering an area at once. Furthermore, building a security-first culture in your workplace through training is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent this behaviour.
Vandalism can take many forms and is not only a nuisance but is also a common physical security risk to businesses. Vandalism is defined as an activity that involves deliberate damage, defacement or destruction of public or private property.
The best physical security measure to put in place to reduce vandalism is to increase the level of security in the surrounding perimeter of the site. A strong, reinforced gate and automated gate system will work well to keep vandals out. Add in an access control system and only authorised individuals will be able to enter.
Terrorism is a security risk that is very real. With the UK Government’s introduction of Martyn’s Law (the Terrorism Protection of Premises Bill), many businesses are now legally required to consider the risk of a terrorist attack and take proportionate measures to mitigate it. This is especially true for venues with high capacities.
A high-quality security system is key in reducing the risk of terrorism. Measures that can identify potential risks and stop them in their tracks before it escalates is therefore vital. Internal systems such as CCTV with video analytics technology will be able to detect any risks, such as unauthorised personnel or unattended items.
Biosecurity risk is a risk of harmful biological substances which could negatively affect the health of the population. While the immediate threat of the pandemic has evolved, the importance of maintaining hygiene-focused security remains.
Fever screening and thermal imaging are great systems to implement at site entrances, to reduce a biosecurity risk from arising inside your business premises.
Fire will always be a major threat to business sites, but arson is a criminal offence that requires a specific security-focused approach.
A strong, monitored security system with CCTV and intruder alarms will detect suspicious activity or unidentified persons onsite. You can find further advice on protecting against arson to better understand how to secure external waste and perimeter access points.
In the unusual event that this doesn’t occur, a reliable and robust fire safety system will kick into action. Fire suppression systems will act to put out the fire and fire alarms will lead to an evacuation. Ensuring your property is compliant is essential, as detailed in our guide on what landlords must know about fire safety compliance in 2025.
Physical security risks can therefore be reduced dramatically with the necessary security measures in place. Not only will they reduce the risks, but they will also help to stop them in their tracks, catch the criminals and bring them to justice.
At BusinessWatch, we are NSI Gold accredited and passionate about providing high quality and reliable security and fire safety systems. We are also proud partners with industry-leading manufacturers to bring you the best in technological protection.
If you’re interested in reducing your business security risks, get in touch. Contact us here or call us on 0330 094 7404.
