Police signpost security grants

Northumbria Police are telling business owners in the centre of Sunderland that funding may be available to help make their premises more secure.

The Safeguard Grant Scheme is aimed at supporting businesses and community properties within the Sunniside area of Sunderland city centre.

Paul Andre, Crime Prevention Officer at Sunderland Area Command said: "Commercial businesses can reduce their vulnerability to burglary by making sure that they have done all they can do to give the appearance of a property that practices good security measures. Business owners can also deter potential burglars by making it as hard as possible to gain entry.

"While some security measures may cost money to implement, their benefits will provide long term rewards for anyone investing in them."
"The Safeguard Grant scheme is an excellent way for businesses to meet some of the cost of any security improvements they may be considering."

Howard French, who runs the scheme, said: "Through Back on the Map funding Sunniside Partnership offers the Safeguard Grant scheme that provides financial assistance to owners and occupiers of businesses and community premises for security works and shop front improvements.

"In the past 12 months grants totalling more than £100,000 have helped improve the security of over 20 properties in the Back on the Map area, which incorporates Sunniside."

For further information about the Safeguard Grant scheme you can contact Stephen Eagling on 0191 561 2644 at Sunderland City Council or Howard French on 0191 5674822.

Considering and implementing the following business safety tips could be just enough of a deterrent to stop a potential burglar.
Lighting: Assure that all entry points to the building are properly illuminated. Leave enough interior lighting to detect movement, and make sure blinds or curtains do not prevent detection of activity from outside. Make sure that all of the existing lighting is in good working order.
Doors: Check for signs of structural weakness. Make sure that you have heavy, updated locks and that they are in good working condition. Rear doors should be of heavy solid construction preferably with no windows. One of the best security measures for a rear or side non-public door is a bar placed in u-brackets securing the door to the doorframe. This is very cost effective and makes it almost impossible to pry the door open.

- Locks: Make sure that all doors, windows, and skylights are secured with the best possible locks. No lock is burglar proof, but the harder it is to gain entry, the longer it will take which increases the chances of getting caught. Considering these factors, the potential intruder will probably leave in an attempt to find another property which is not as secure and where the risks are not as great.

- Windows: Assure that all windows can be secured in such a way that they cannot be defeated easily from outside. Make sure that all of the windows are checked prior to securing the business for the day. Burglars will look for windows left unsecured. Assure that all valuables are kept away from windows to prevent “smash and grab” attacks.

- Safes: Do not leave large amounts of money in the safe overnight. Consider signage which states that no cash is left on the premises overnight. Safes should be secured to the floor.

- Roof: Make sure that any access to the business from the roof such as a roof hatch and ventilation systems are secured from the inside. Consider having an alarm which covers the roof space area.

- Alarm Systems: Consider installing a monitored and maintained alarm system to European Standard EN 50131. Research alarm companies and the types of alarms that fit your needs and your budget. If utilising an alarm system, make sure to have clearly visible signage stating the premises is protected by an alarm system.

- CCTV: Consider installing a digital CCTV system which is capable of producing images onto disc for evidential purposes.

- Cash Procedures: never leave money on the premises overnight or when the business is closed.

- Make sure your property inventory is up to date, record serial numbers, make and model of items and keep this record in a safe place.

- Coordinate with neighbouring businesses to watch for suspicious activity.