As if we didn’t all have enough on our minds these days with social distancing, wearing masks, and trying to keep ourselves healthy in a pandemic. A San Jose Mercury News article confirms what we’ve been hearing here at Creative Security: since the COVID-19 lockdown began, restaurant burglary is on the rise throughout our area.
It’s infuriating, but it makes sense. With so many restaurants either closed entirely or working very limited hours, thieves figure they can be bolder.
With restaurant burglary becoming more and more common, businesses of all kinds need to be vigilant. Have you reduced your hours—or even suspended operations—during the lockdown? Chances are, criminals could be eyeing your location, too. It doesn’t really matter what kind of business you’re in. If you have valuable, resellable items in your office and you’re not around much, thieves will eventually notice.
Now more than ever, businesses need to step up their efforts to secure their vacant buildings.
Think It Can’t Happen to You? Think Again!
It’s easy to dismiss concerns like these by saying, “We’re in a clean, well-lighted strip mall in a good part of town.” Or, “Our area is regularly patrolled by the police. I don’t think anything will happen.”
Well, a couple of thoughts there. First of all, just opening a business in a “safe” location doesn’t make your business immune to restaurant burglary or office break-ins. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity. Give thieves an opening, and they’ll take it. And if there’s one thing COVID-19 has provided, it’s openings. When everyone is home, nobody is watching the shop.
As for police protection, you may have read that overall crime has declined since the lockdown. However, the police are also aware that with so many vacant buildings around, they must stretch themselves even thinner. When there are lots of potential eyewitnesses nearby, criminals are less likely to try something bold. Yes, overall crime has decreased, but the opportunities abound. Don’t let your business become an opportunity—and then a victim.
Consider These Two Levels of Protection
There’s no need to panic at the threat of restaurant burglary. Instead, focus on providing visual deterrents to potential thieves. One cost-effective way to do this is by arranging for mobile patrol service. Having a uniformed security guard drive by your location several times throughout the day and night sends the message to thieves that you haven’t forgotten about security—and they’d be better off shifting their focus elsewhere.
For a higher level of protection, consider employing a full-time security guard. A guard requires a larger investment, of course, but having a uniformed presence at your location not only provides a more consistent deterrent, but also ensures speedy response when an act of burglary or vandalism is in progress. This holds true whether there’s a pandemic or not—and whether your business is considered essential or non-essential.
Get Serious About Preventing Restaurant Burglary
Unfortunately, even a pandemic won’t stop criminals from breaking laws, invading buildings, and destroying businesses. But we at Creative Security have some highly effective strategies for shutting down restaurant burglary and other common crimes. When you’re ready to talk about how to protect your business during COVID-19, you can reach us at 408-874-8836.
