"It is not what they take but what they leave behind"
This is the slogan from the TV advert for British security services company, ADT, and it really is true. Yes, you feel sick to the stomach that something you own and have worked hard to earn or purchase is vandalised or stolen by a mindless individual, but it isn't until all the pandemonium of the phone calls to insurance companies, the police inspections and repair men boarding up smashed windows and crow barred doors are finished and you finally sit down with a cuppa, that it hits you. . . Someone was cruelly selfish enough, or really that desperate that they felt the need to steal from others.
This will be the second break - in at my current workplace in as little as three months. Thankfully on both occasions we were fortunate enough to have 'considerate' burglars who simply took what they were looking for and left the shop relatively tidy except for several large muddy foot prints on the floor (more fool them for leaving such evidence behind - they also match the footprints found at the local primary school which was also targeted for petty cash). So in that respect we are at least grateful, as we have heard many dreadful stories of properties and businesses alike being treated like a pinata and left in tatters.
Although I am only an employee at the shop, and the items that were stolen where not mine . . . Ive certainly been left with a sour taste in my mouth and a sadness for my Boss and my colleagues who all work hard to make a safe and enjoyable workplace. It certainly makes you question your faith in humankind but at the same time you almost have to pity people that would stoop so low.
On a more practical level I urge florists worldwide to take their building security seriously especially as Valentines is fast approaching and you will likely to be carrying extra stock and possibly store highly quantities of cash on site.
Here are some ways to deter vandals and burglars
This will be the second break - in at my current workplace in as little as three months. Thankfully on both occasions we were fortunate enough to have 'considerate' burglars who simply took what they were looking for and left the shop relatively tidy except for several large muddy foot prints on the floor (more fool them for leaving such evidence behind - they also match the footprints found at the local primary school which was also targeted for petty cash). So in that respect we are at least grateful, as we have heard many dreadful stories of properties and businesses alike being treated like a pinata and left in tatters.
Although I am only an employee at the shop, and the items that were stolen where not mine . . . Ive certainly been left with a sour taste in my mouth and a sadness for my Boss and my colleagues who all work hard to make a safe and enjoyable workplace. It certainly makes you question your faith in humankind but at the same time you almost have to pity people that would stoop so low.
On a more practical level I urge florists worldwide to take their building security seriously especially as Valentines is fast approaching and you will likely to be carrying extra stock and possibly store highly quantities of cash on site.
Here are some ways to deter vandals and burglars
- Firstly remove all cash, bar your float, from the premises and hide the float money somewhere out of sight or better still in a safe that is either screwed into the wall or floor and locked - Hide the keys for this or remove from site upon leaving.
- Put up flood lighting over entrances/exits, in the car park attached to the premises or in any other area around the shop which is dark and provides 'lurking/hiding places'.
- Have your computer equipment insured and attach security tags/ locking mechanisms around the wires etc.
- With a mind to identity theft do no leave personal addresses or documents at the shop or lock them away in a filing cabinet.
- Put up CCTV either internally or externally or both if you feel its necessary. You can purchase realistic fake ones at a cheaper price form the Internet. . . . these can act as much as a deterrent as real working ones. Display signs on the premise that state that CCTV is in operation. You can buy these from building and hardware suppliers, security companies and the Internet.
- Install an alarm and make sure you set it when you leave the building.
If you have any stories or ways you have deterred burglars at your shop then please feel free to share below this post in the comments box!!!
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