Protecting your business during festive season


A person in a black mask and hoodie stands by a Christmas tree.

The holiday season is a great time for relaxing and enjoying festivities with loved ones, but it also brings a heightened risk of burglary, especially if your business premises are left unoccupied for an extended period of time.

Unfortunately, many criminals don’t take a holiday, and statistics show that property offences often peak around Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

In the last 12-month reporting period, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showed that Australia recorded a 9% increase in victims of unlawful entry with intent, totalling 151,200 cases, making it more important than ever to secure your business before you embark on your well-deserved holiday break.

While Capricorn Risk Services** may be able to provide protection against certain theft and damage events*, the best strategy is to prevent incidents altogether. Here are some important reminders to help you keep your business safe while you enjoy your well-earned time off:

1. Fortify entry points

Before you leave, double-check that all windows and doors are securely locked. Unlocked entry points can be an open invitation to burglars.

2. Conceal valuables

Don’t tempt thieves with visible valuables. Remove or hide electronics and expensive portable equipment and remember to lock any safes that are on the premises.

3. Assess your security systems

Test your security cameras and alarm system to ensure they are in full working order. Verify that they are armed and active.

4. Illuminate your premises

Well-lit premises are less attractive to potential intruders. Leave some lights on or consider motion-sensor lights for added security.

5. Enhance building security

If time and resources permit, consider upgrading your building’s security features. Install anti-pick locks and consider adding bars or cages over windows, for added protection.

With Capricorn Rewards^, you also have access to a comprehensive selection of products that are specifically designed to strengthen the security of your business property. From surveillance systems to reliable access control solutions, we've got everything you need to ensure that your business is well-protected 24/7.

 

Contact us for more information.

 

*Cover may differ based on each protection or insurance product. Steps you may be required to take to attract protection under the relevant product may also differ.

^Participation in the Capricorn Rewards Program is subject to Terms and Conditions which can be found at cap.coop/tc

**Australia: Products sold through Capricorn Risk Services Pty Ltd (ABN 91 111 632 789) are: (i) discretionary risk protection products issued by Capricorn Mutual Ltd; and (ii) general insurance products issued by a range of insurers and brokered through Capricorn Insurance Services Pty Ltd. Before deciding to acquire any product, you should consider the Product Disclosure Statement available from Capricorn Risk Services Pty Ltd to see if the product is appropriate for you. Capricorn Risk Services Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 460893) of Capricorn Mutual Ltd (AFSL 230038) and Capricorn Insurance Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 435197). For its protection, Capricorn Mutual Ltd has published a Target Market Determination which is available at capricorn.coop/about/capricorn-mutual.

**New Zealand: Products sold through Capricorn Risk Services Pty Ltd include discretionary risk protection and general insurance products. Discretionary risk protection is issued out of Australia by Capricorn Mutual Ltd. Before deciding to acquire discretionary risk protection, you should consider the Product Disclosure Statement to see if it is appropriate for you. This can be obtained from Capricorn Risk Services by phoning 0800 555 303, emailing info@capricornrisk.com or checking the website capricorn.coop/risk. General insurance products are issued by a range of insurers and are available through Capricorn Risk Services Pty Ltd as a member broker of PSC Connect NZ Limited. Capricorn Risk Services is a registered financial services provider (390466) and a corporate Authorised Representative (No. 460893) of Capricorn Mutual Ltd (AFSL 230038). Capricorn Mutual Ltd has published a Target Market Determination for its protection, which is available at capricorn.coop/about/capricorn-mutual.

This article was published 01/12/2023 and the content is current as at the date of publication.