Crime reduction 

Office equipment and information technology

Please consider the business crime prevention advice below to secure your office and IT equipment.

High-value equipment, such as computers, laptops, mobile phones, printers, copiers and fax machines are a target for burglars.

Use security and forensic marking on all office and IT equipment. Consider using a tracking device to help track stolen equipment.

Office equipment

• Company policy should consider a penalty system against a member of staff that is found to have contributed to company equipment loss.
• Apply an electronic tag to portable equipment. When the equipment is removed from the premises without authority, an alarm or alert is activated as the equipment passes sensors at building exit points.
• Electronic tags that contain a unique identification number can be hidden in the casing of small and large equipment.
• Secure equipment to a solid surface or structure. Hawsers, lock-down plates, and lockable clamps can be used for this.

IT equipment

• Where possible, put computers and computer equipment out of view from passers-by. Install blinds or light-reflective film to reduce visibility.
• Thieves are less likely to risk breaking in if they don’t know the quantity and quality of the equipment.
• Keep computer servers in a well-ventilated, dry cabinet or security cage – in an internal room, if you can. This reduces the risk of theft, accidental damage and tampering.
• Enclosure systems are available that deny access to any part of the computer once it’s locked. They provide partial or total encasement and are bolted to the desk or floor.

Laptops

• Store laptops securely in docking units. Never leave them alone. For longer periods, lock laptops away.
• Consider how you’ll keep your laptop safe when you’re moving and how you’ll store it outside the workplace.
• Never leave valuable equipment – including laptops – on view in vehicles. Take equipment with you or secure it in the boot. Excellent boot storage boxes are available for use in vehicles.

Mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs)

• Mobile phones, PDAs and similar items are a target for robbers – especially if they are being used in vulnerable locations.
• Never leave these items on display in cars or in the office as thieves can easily grab them – take them with you and carry them securely.
• Visit our pages on safe mobile phone use.

Replacing stolen equipment

• You are more likely to suffer theft if you’ve previously been broken into. The thieves may know that you’ll probably have replaced the equipment that they stole before.
• Always make sure that the necessary security measures have been put in place before you replace equipment.
• Criminals have already found a weakness in your security – please do something about it.