The cost of living crisis has become the latest of many blows to the UK economy over the past couple of years. News reports of rising energy bills and skyrocketing inflation consume the daily media, increasing anxiety and unrest across the population. The concern is driven by Ofgem raising the price cap on household bills by 80 percent to £3,549 leaving nearly 88% of adults across Britain worried about rising energy costs, not to mention the uncertainty around the government's latest mini budget.

As this economic uncertainty continues, it is to be expected that crime rates will also increase at an alarming rate, meaning that there is the high likelihood of sizable losses for businesses nationwide. Experts predict that crime will continue to surge this winter with particular concerns of spike in ‘acquisitive’ offences, such as shoplifting, burglary and vehicle theft.

There is particular focus around the rural industry, with farmers’ vehicles and fuel being stolen. The recently published Rural Crime Report revealed that rural crime levels are rising sharply, with insurance claims hiking up 40% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the last period in 2021.

So, what can you do to brace your business against the expected surges in crimes this winter?

Secure Your Business Assets

As reports of increasing vehicle and machinery theft continue to be at the forefront of many businesses mind, now is the time to invest in vehicle and asset tracking in order to protect company investments and reduce potential insurance claims over the coming years, not to mention that time lost on projects if the correct equipment is missing.

 

Implement Asset Tracking to Prevent Theft

Asset tracking solutions allow you to utilise GPS Tracking, BLE Tracking, WiFi Tracking amongst other methods to keep track of your fleet of vehicles. Not only will the use of such devices deter potential criminals who may identify them, but it will also empower Police to be able to track any suspected thefts.

Implementing an asset tracking platform such as Foretrack Connect helps you to stay in perfect control of your fleet and other valuable assets. Multiple tracker types can be set up and managed in the one platform to give full operational visibility and control. Smart tracking devices track your vehicle movements in real time enabling you to see the location of all vehicles on a mapping platform and receive pop up email or SMS alerts to your desktop, mobile or tablet to stay informed. 

Asset tracking is not just limited to GPS and maps, you can also set security features to control how vehicles are used and limiting device access. Part of our vehicle tracking module allows you to allocate authorised drivers to be able to start equipment, even if thieves manage to secure keys to the vehicle, they will be unable to start it unless they also possess an authorised iButton Fob.

If you would like to find out more about Asset Tracking solutions visit our solutions overview page, or for dedicated GPS vehicle tracking click here.

Increase security protection at sites by upgrading your communication tech

As an increase in reports of shoplifting and theft of fuel and high value goods increases, especially in sectors such as retail, businesses may be choosing to employ more security staff and protection for their business sites, with even business giants like Tesco choosing to significantly increase their security presence in high affected areas.

As security staff volumes grow, so should their equipment in order to arm them in their day to day responsibilities. Two Way Radios and 4G Cellular radios empower security staff to communicate quickly and efficiently. A robust communication system could be essential in identifying potential security breaches and enhancing connectivity between day/night guards on large or separate business sites. With a range of different communication devices to choose from, businesses can get a tailored solution to meet their individual needs and ensure that their security staff are equipped for fast action.

A quick run down of the alternative two-way radio technologies:

Two Way Digital Radios – Two Way Radios use a dedicated closed network with repeaters to communicate within sites, allowing two way communication between security staff to ensure that any back up or additional support can be quickly and effectively communicated.

Push To Talk Over Cellular (PTToC) – PTToC offers enhanced functionality by utilising cellular data and even Wi-Fi to support connection between your security staff. This would be particularly well suited to multi-site businesses or businesses with extra large sites.

If your business requires a communication solution, or you simply want to upgrade from traditional two-way radios to cellular, Foresolutions offers businesses free onsite consultations so that you can rest assured the solution will be tailored to suit your individual business requirements. Contact our team today.

Protect your Employees With Trackers & Video Evidence

Increased unrest within the UK population may lead to lone workers or field workers feeling vulnerable or requiring some additional protection. Provide peace of mind to your employees by equipping them with additional protection such as lone worker tracking devices and bodycams.

Provide body worn cameras for members of staff

Although body worn cameras are heavily associated with security staff at large venues, events and door staff at clubs, there is an increasing interest in them for the retail, construction and healthcare sectors in order to protect vulnerable or lone working staff members.

The presence of a body worn camera alone acts as a deterrent for many would-be violent or confrontational individuals, as well as deterring thieves who may be confronted by members of staff in retail settings. Body cameras protect employees in multiple ways; captured footage can be easily used as evidence in both criminal and civil proceedings and location tracking can help to identify what level of large sites employees are on. There are a number of different types of body worn camera available on the security and tracking market, with some being as small as a business card.

Lone worker protection tracking

If you have workers in high risk, or isolated areas, you have a duty of care to keep them safe and secure. Businesses can also implement tracking tools for their employees where Body worn cameras may not be appropriate. Adding a tracker to their lanyards or in their pockets whilst they work will not only be able to monitor their movements, but also alert you if a problem occurs or even act as a panic button for them if they are in danger.

Although it is predicted that the UK is in for a hard winter of increased poverty and crime, businesses can rest assured that taking simple security steps to empower their staff and protect their assets will help to greatly reduce any financial losses throughout. If you would like any support or advice on how to best equip your business with additional security, get in touch with our team today to find out how we can support your business.