Shops: how can you protect yourself against burglary?

One in four businesses will be the victim of a burglary or attempted burglary during its lifetime. The consequences can be far-reaching: financial losses, damage to property, psychological trauma and business interruption.
 

Despite a 38% drop in burglaries according to the latest figures for Luxembourg (source: The number of burglaries in Luxembourg fell by 38.85% in 2024 - Luxtoday.lu), small shops remain particularly exposed to risk due to their predictable opening hours, attractive stocks of goods and cash floats, sometimes old premises with inadequate security systems and limited presence outside opening hours.
 

As a retailer, your set-up varies depending on the nature of the products or services you sell. For example, a butcher or a baker must pay particular attention to the accessibility of their checkout, while telephone or jewellery sellers need to be more cautious in general.
 

It's not always easy to strike the right balance between encouraging purchases and protecting your premises from theft... Here are a few tips to help you avoid the risks and discourage ill-intentioned persons from targeting your business. 
 

🔐 Secure access to your business

The first step in preventing burglaries is to secure access to your business. You can do this by opting for certified, robust locks on doors and windows. Multipoint locks offer extra security.
 

For businesses that close at night, metal curtains can deter burglars.
 

Don't forget to install lighting around the shop, especially at the entrance and windows, equipped with motion detectors so as not to increase your energy consumption.

📹 Set up a surveillance system
 

Investing in a video surveillance system can not only deter burglars, but also provide you with evidence in the event of an intrusion or theft. Place cameras in strategic locations, such as at the entrance to the shop and near checkouts. 
 

The combination of metal curtain and alarm is the most dissuasive solution.
 

👛 Display objects in strategic locations and identify sensitive points
 

The most expensive and/or smallest items can be placed behind the shop assistant, who can, in turn, be sheltered behind a counter. This dissuades the thief from trying to overcome these two barriers to reach them.
 

The checkout can also be placed a long way from the front door: the further the thief has to walk to get out, the less likely they are to try their luck.

🙏 Establish a network of vigilance and trust
 

Rally round as a community. You can organise a network with other retailers. This will enable you to exchange information on suspicious behaviour and set up a local alert system.
 

Don't hesitate to contact your local police force to discuss best practice in terms of safety and to organise awareness-raising sessions.

🧸 Raise awareness among your staff
 

Train your staff to recognise suspicious behaviour and react accordingly, without taking any ill-considered risks. A trained and informed team is better equipped to prevent incidents.

☂️ The importance of professional insurance
 

Despite all the precautions, there is no such thing as zero risk. That's why professional insurance is an essential safeguard against the consequences of a burglary - to be able to cope in the event of a problem, and to enable you to repair the material and financial damage caused by malicious acts.
 

Comprehensive business insurance generally covers damage caused by theft, as well as other risks such as fire, water damage, etc. 
 

But be sure to check that your policy includes specific cover against theft and vandalism.
 

Depending on the nature of your business, specific cover may come in useful, such as: 

• Insurance for valuable goods (jewellery, high-tech, etc.)
• Cover for goods entrusted by customers
• Cover for temporary security guarding and lock changing costs
• Cover for business interruption in the event of burglary
• Legal protection 
   

Finally, regularly assess your insurance needs. As your business evolves, so do your insurance requirements. We therefore advise you to take stock of your policy with your advisor at least once a year. 
 

As you well know, the security of your local business is vital to guarantee its long-term future. By adopting preventive measures and investing in appropriate business insurance, you can not only protect your assets, but also ensure the continuity of your business. Stay alert and take a proactive approach to implementing these tips - prevention is the key to minimising the risk of burglary!