Vandalism at Your Business — Fight This Drag On Your Profits

When people discuss security issues at a company, they generally focus on potentially major threats like theft, hacking, or assault. But even relatively minor security issues like vandalism can impact your business in many ways. How? And what can you do about it? Here are a few answers.

How Does Vandalism Cost Your Business?

Vandalism — intentional destruction or damage to someone's property — is more than just a nuisance. First, it's a financial loss. Broken windows and lights cost money to repair. Permanent damage to buildings or machinery reduces their value. Removing graffiti requires work hours that could be spent increasing your revenue or focusing on customers. And damaged landscape must be replaced.

Secondly, vandalism damages your reputation. Unfortunately, vandalism often occurs in areas that are easily noticed by passersby and drivers approaching the business. Customers who see vandalized businesses may be turned away from shopping at your store or stopping in. They may think that your company is second-rate, that it isn't well managed, or that it's cheap.

If you need customers to feel secure using your services, such as if you run a self-storage or child-care facility, any act of vandalism will erode their confidence — even if it is promptly removed. And employees may feel less safe working for you or working at that location.

What Can You Do to Protect the Business?

The best defense against vandalism is to deploy a three-prong strategy. Each of these methods meets the challenge in one aspect, so you create a stronger strategy by using them all together.

Increase Security

The first step is to increase security measures. Make sure you install a strong set of security cameras. Cameras should cover as much of your property's exterior with as high of a resolution as your business can afford. Increase camera coverage in wide areas slightly away from your buildings, rather than just pointing cameras at doors or windows. The ability to catch someone at any point of the act helps your case.

Along with cameras, create good coverage with exterior lighting. Lights are vandals' natural enemy. Good lighting might be a combination of lighting options, including lights that remain on to discourage entry as well as motion-sensitive lighting to reduce costs. Look for dark spots, hidden corners, and protected areas that could attract vandals.

Make Yourself a Harder Target

The second part of your plan should involve being smarter about your business’s physical presence. When you install cameras, lights, and exterior fixtures, choose versions that are more difficult (or nearly impossible) to break. Not only does this save repair costs, but it keeps your security shield doing its job. You may also want to install unbreakable security glass on windows in high-risk areas.

Remember that vandalism is a crime of convenience, so minimize problems and make it inconvenient to vandalize your business. Discourage people from hanging out close to any walls and buildings by planting thorny bushes, rock gardens, or thick evergreen hedges. Pay particular attention to areas where some people may loiter overnight.

Become More Positive and Visible

Finally, work toward solutions that get to the heart of the problem. Vandals often feel disaffected, lack purpose, are angry, or want to rebel against something.

Is your business known for positive contributions to the local community? Consider participating in programs that help young people find their way. Paint an attractive art mural on public-facing walls. Have a visible and positive presence at community events.

Where Should You Start?

Not sure how to attack your vandalism problem? Consult with an experienced security service. At Phoenix Access Control , our professionals can help assess your business locations' needs and determine the best options to deter vandalism and other trespassing issues. Call today to make an appointment.