Crime prevention and recovery

There are ways you can reduce the risk of criminal activity against your business. Having a plan to prevent and recover from an incident can go a long way to minimising disruption to your business.

On this page, you will find a range of resources to help you get started.

The types of risks we are referring to include:

• theft (internal and external)
• fraudulent use of online business bank accounts
• false invoicing and payments
• robbery
• shoplifting
• property damage and vandalism
• scams (email scams, investment scams)
• cybercrime (systems hacking, phishing, malware).

Protecting the security of your premises

Beyond surveillance and monitoring systems, there are measures you can take to discourage theft or criminal damage from happening to your premises.

Tasmania Police have a great guide that includes how to spot shop theft, manage your store layout, physical security, staff training, and what you can expect when you get the Police involved. Consumer Building and Occupational Services Tasmania has information about bag checking here.

Crime Stoppers Tasmania has developed an excellent guide for retailers to use. Safe Retailing Tasmania: a tool for retailers and staff covers topics including:

• reporting suspicious behaviour
• identifying suspicious behaviour
• dealing with an aggressive shoplifter
• getting away from an armed offender – make a plan for your store and staff
• what to report to Police and/or management
• trends in retail crime.

Staff safety

As an employer, you have a duty of care to your staff. Aside from physical hazards, there are also psychosocial hazards to be aware of.

Work-related mental health injuries — including those caused by psychosocial hazards — can have longer recovery times, higher costs, and require more time away from work than any other injury. WorkSafe Tasmania have resources covering psychosocial hazards, your obligations, and how to meet them.

We also have a dedicated Mental Health support page for you to access the right kind of support, whether that’s mental health training for you and your team, or someone to talk to.

Cyber security

The online environment is key part of operations for many businesses but it is important to manage the risks that come with the online environment. Whether front or back of house, it is important to be across how to not just do good business online, but how to do safe business online – and protect your business and your customers from being open to cyberattack.

The good news is, managing internet security is simply a matter of knowing the risks for your business, thinking through a strategy and putting suitable measures in place.

We would encourage you to review our Cyber Security page, with an engaging video presentation from a cyber security expert, and action plans for you to get started.

Insurance

Insurance is an essential part of reducing risk. Your insurance requirements will vary depending on the type of business you have.

Without adequate insurance, your business may face significant financial consequences, affecting your ability to rebuild and recover after a security incident.

Find more information on insurance here.

Support from your Industry Association

The type of business you have will determine the risk profile that you need to be aware of. That means that your peers may have the same concern as you. Being active in your Industry Association, and seeking support from other members can be of great value.

The National Retail Association, for example, has this guide for retailers on managing shoplifting specifically.

Find your Industry Association here.

Mental health support

Crime can have impacts in many areas, including on the mental health of you and your staff. There is a range of resources and support available to support you on our Mental Health Support page.

There is also a Victims of Crime support service you can access through the Department of Justice, at no cost.