When businesses go into a loss, there are several factors involved other than marketing strategies gone wrong or reduced ROI. Sometimes, there are factors involved that are apparently not directly related to the business, but they affect it badly. One of them is warehouse theft. It can cause businesses to lose billions in a. In this blog,
One of the most common and the most cost-effective solutions is remote security camera monitoring service and more.
But first, we are going to see why warehouses are common targets of theft to understand how to secure your premises.
Why Warehouses Are Common Targets for Theft
There are several reasons why criminals prefer warehouses for burglary. The reasons are:
- Presence of valuable goods
- Weak security
- Outdated security systems
- Absence of security staff
- High-volume operations
- Location
- Multiple doorways
- Involvement of staff
Valuable Goods
There are a large number of valuable goods stored in warehouses, such as electronics, household goods, crops, etc, which can later be sold in the black market.
Low Security
Warehouses are low on security, which is why criminals make them their target for burglary the most. They know that in a huge place and large amounts of stored goods, minor changes will not be noticed.
Other than weak security, poor lighting, low-quality fencing, and the absence or outdated alarm systems, all contribute to increased theft in warehouses.
Multiple Entry and Exit Points
There are multiple access points, such as the loading dock and fire exit, where the criminals can make their way in and out along with loaded goods.
Location
Warehouses are located outside the city where there is less traffic and fewer passersby. The law enforcement is not present all the time in these places, and their response time to emergency calls is delayed. This makes warehouses a good target for criminals
High-Volume Operations
Warehouses are a very busy place with trucks loading and unloading, and the staff over there is mostly too busy moving the goods to see if anyone is taking away the goods. Therefore, minor changes in missing goods go unnoticed. This is also the reason why burglars have a good opportunity in warehouses.
Danger From The Staff
Sometimes the staff working there is also involved in theft, such as truck drivers and employees, since they know the warehouse inside and out and also the perfect timing of the movement of goods.
Effect of warehouse theft on businesses
Warehouse theft has a significant effect on businesses. There are financial and operational aspects involved in it, which are discussed below.
Financial Loss
Theft can result in financial loss to the business, especially in the case of high-value goods. It can cause loss of millions to billions in currency.
Insurance
If the company has subscribed to insurance, their insurance premiums go high too.
Affects On Reputation
If the information about theft is leaked to the business’s customers, there are chances that their customers might not prefer doing business with a company that has gone through theft. This results in a shattered image and reputation of the company.
Interruption In Fulfilling Orders
If the company is unable to the stolen goods immediately or quickly enough, this can affect the supply chain operations. This results in delays in fulfilling orders from the customers.
Solutions for Warehouse Theft
To reduce the chances of theft in warehouses, it is necessary to improve the security system. Let’s take a deeper look at how to do that and achieve strong security.
- Advanced surveillance system
- Alarm systems
- Increased lighting
- Access control
- Inventory check
- Staff verification
Improve The Security System
To increase security in and around warehouses, high investment in advanced security systems is necessary since outdated systems will not be effective in modern times. This is what Serana security provides, a remote security camera monitoring service with advanced technology. Book an appointment with our representatives and secure your premises immediately before a theft takes place.
Other ways to improve security inside and out of the warehouse is to install alarm systems and face or motion detection systems to recognize any unfamiliar faces.
Install a strong lighting system and increase lighting inside and outside the premises.
Make use of access control to disallow any unrecognized person to enter or leave the warehouse.
Inventory Check
If you keep track of inventory manually, then regularly count it to make sure there isn’t anything missing. A better solution is to automate it and implement inventory management softwares. This way, you can monitor it effortlessly.
Staff Verification
Before you hire staff, run background checks on them. Also, keep a check on their activities too, along with keeping checks on the inventory
Conclusion
Warehouses are the most prioritized targets for theft. There are several factors which contribute to this. Such incidents can be avoided by practices, such as advanced surveillance systems, installing alarm systems, keeping check on the inventory, and running background checks on the staff before hiring them. This way, businesses can avoid going into significant loss and shattering their own reputation which can unfortunately result in reduced customers base.
FAQs
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How to Prevent Theft in Warehouses?
A: To reduce chances of theft, install strong security systems such advanced surveillance systems, alarm systems, or access control.
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What are the Common Reasons for Theft in Warehouses?
A: Among the several factors that contribute to increased chances of theft is weak security, involvement of staff, and goods getting overlooked.
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What is the Best Theft Prevention Approach?
A: The best way to prevent theft in warehouses is to install advanced surveillance systems. The second best option is alarm systems.
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How does Burglary in Warehouses Affect Businesses?
A: Businesses that go through theft face severe financial losses due to the loss in goods and also because insurance companies charge them more for the theft.
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What is There in the Warehouses that Makes Them a Common Target for Theft?
A: There are valuable goods stored there which makes them a good option for burglary by criminals.
