How to Protect Your Business From Looting

Looting is most common during natural disasters or times of military conflict. If your business could be a target for looting, know how to protect what you have.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Security personnel
• Computer with Internet access
• Alarm system

1. Install a security alarm. Display the alarm company's logo so that potential perpetrators can see it.
2. Hire a security company to watch over your business. A show of force is a perfect way to discourage would-be looters, and ensures that anyone who attempts to loot will be identified.
3. Arm security personnel with walkie-talkies so they can coordinate their sweeps around your property. Real-time communications are vital for discouraging looting.
4. Add a metal security door or add bars to your windows. If looters cannot get in easily, they are likely to go elsewhere.
5. Get help from those who have been victims of looting. Go to the Web site for the National Center for Victims of Crime (see Resources below).
6. If your business get looted, contact the police immediately. Don't touch products that have been moved or touched by suspects in order to protect evidence from tampering.

Tips & Warnings

• It is your right to remain anonymous when reporting looting to the authorities.
• Don't attempt to apprehend looting suspects on your own and without the appropriate authorities.