02 Sep Security News: How to Manage a Business Break-In: A Post-Incident Guide
Beyond the immediate shock of a break-in, there’s the stress of assessing damages, dealing with insurance, and restoring your sense of safety. While no one wants to imagine this situation, knowing what to do if it happens can help you recover more quickly and protect your business going forward.
This guide outlines the key steps to take after a break-in at your business, from reporting the incident to strengthening your security.
Ensure safety first
Your first priority is safety. If you discover signs of a break-in, such as broken windows, forced doors, or missing property, do not enter the premises until you’re certain it’s safe. The intruder could still be inside.
- Call 911 immediately if you suspect the perpetrator is still on-site.
- Wait for law enforcement before entering.
- Avoid touching or moving anything that could be evidence.
- Take photos of the scene (without disturbing anything) as they may be helpful during the insurance claim process.
Contact law enforcement
Report the incident to the police as soon as possible. They will investigate, document the scene, and file an official report.
- Provide as many details as possible about what you noticed.
- Request a copy of the police report. It will be essential for your insurance claim.
- Cooperate fully with officers as they gather evidence.
Assess and document the damage
After law enforcement has cleared the property, begin a careful review of what’s been damaged or taken.
- Take clear photographs of all broken windows, doors, or other entry points.
- Create a list of stolen or damaged items, including serial numbers if available.
- Keep this documentation organized — both for insurance and to help identify potential security vulnerabilities.
File an insurance claim
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with:
- A copy of the police report.
- Your photos and itemized list of damages or losses.
- Any receipts, invoices, or proof of purchase for stolen property.
The sooner you file, the faster you’ll receive coverage to replace what was lost and repair damages. This may be especially important for incidents where damage may force business owners to close their doors indefinitely.
Secure the premises
Don’t leave your business exposed after a break-in. The last thing you need is looters or squatters rummaging through your property.
- Board up or replace broken windows.
- Repair or replace damaged doors and locks.
- If needed, call in a locksmith or security company for emergency support.
Even temporary measures will provide some peace of mind until permanent upgrades can be made.
Inform employees and customers
Let your employees know about the break-in and tell them about the steps you’re taking to ensure their workplace is safe and secure. Work with your leadership team to gameplan any adjustments or accommodations that may need to be made to typical workflows. For instance, if equipment was stolen or damaged, how will this affect day-to-day operations?
Finally, inform your customers about the break-in. If there’s any chance their personal information has been compromised, advise them to take precautions against identity theft. If there will be any disruption to your business’s standard operating hours or procedures, outline the changes for customers to manage their expectations. Leave your customers feeling safe and secure while conducting business on premises.
Strengthen security to prevent future incidents
A break-in highlights where your security may need reinforcement. Use this opportunity to make improvements that will deter future threats. Consider:
- Upgrading locks and doors: Install commercial-grade locks and reinforce entry points.
- Installing or expanding surveillance: Visible security cameras act as both a deterrent and an investigative tool.
- Alarm monitoring: A professionally monitored alarm system ensures that if an incident occurs, emergency responders are notified right away.
- Employee training: Teach staff how to respond to suspicious activity or emergencies.
- Layered security: Fortify your business protection with an integrated, layered security plan.
Moving forward with confidence
A break-in is unsettling, but it doesn’t have to define your business. By taking the steps outlined above you can move forward stronger than before. Taking a proactive approach to security is a great way to protect your property and your employees.
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