ADT Security small business security survey
The vast majority of Australian small businesses have suffered financially at the hands of crime,
according to new research commissioned by ADT Security, with 43% of small business owners
estimating their losses total up to $10,000.
The survey of 500 Australian small business owners, is the most comprehensive research into small
business security measures and perceptions in the last decade.
The humble lock and key is used as a security device for 85% of respondents with an alarm system
(51%), CCTV (29%) and window bars (28%) also popular choices. Queensland small business
owners are the least likely to invest in an alarm system – widely regarded as the most reliable option
– with only 39% investing in this option.
Burglary is the most prevalent type of crime reported, with 55% of small businesses being a victim
of this at some stage. Shoplifting (34%), vandalism (33%), employee theft of merchandise (24%)
and employee theft of cash (21%) also rate highly.
In other interesting findings:
• 64% of small businesses have been a victim of crime more than once
• When considering security options, the latest technology is of greater significance to men
with 21% taking new trends into consideration, compared to 13% of women
• Financial loss is attributed to stolen goods (82%), property damage (50%), business
disruption or closure (32%) and loss of customers or orders (12%)
• Employees stealing merchandise is most rampant in NSW and ACT (32%) while burglary is
most common in Western Australia (55%)
• Night time is perceived as the biggest security risk window (49%)
• 42% of small business owners see a rise in crime on long weekends and public holidays
Commenting on the survey, Managing Director of ADT Security Mark Norton said:
“As the survey results show, crime can be especially devastating for small businesses. The
potential for the loss of profit and merchandise to overwhelm a business is high, not to mention the
threat crimes like robbery pose to the physical safety of customers and employees,
“The retail sector in particular has been hit hard in recent times with low consumer sentiment and
reduced household spending on discretionary items so now more than ever, security measures to
help protect profit is crucial. It’s important for small business owners to be aware of trends in their
local area and be up to speed on the latest security products and services that meet their specific
needs,” said Norton.
Beyond the practical and financial impacts, small business owners also detailed the emotional
fallout following their business being a target of crime. Generation Y was the most likely to admit to
experiencing anxiety (48% compared to the national average of 39%), stress (67% versus 54%) and
an inability to be alone on the premises (23% versus 7%).
“It was interesting to see that Generation Y had the highest recorded feelings of stress and anxiety
in the aftermath of burglary, theft or property damage impacting their small business. It could be that
this age group is more open to admitting their feelings than their older counterparts, rather than
those feelings not being as prevalent among their older counterparts,” said Norton.
Age also plays a part in the perceived importance of 24/7 video surveillance with nearly half of
Generation Y business owners seeing it as crucial (48%) compared to 45% of Gen X, 37% of Baby
Boomers and 19% of Builders.
"It’s not surprising really that younger generations see video surveillance as essential given that
most of them have grown up with technology at their fingertips. They see technology as a
worthwhile investment in ensuring the successful day-to-day running of their businesses and place
high value on the peace of mind it provides them,” said Norton.
“While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of crime, business owners can help minimise
risks by implementing a comprehensive security plan including physical security technology,
thoroughly training employees in the security system, identifying security threats and
troubleshooting potential weaknesses”
ADT Security is the world’s largest electronic security company and provides a number of cost
effective security solutions including ADT Vision, a video surveillance solution designed specifically
for small businesses.
For more information call 131 238 or visit www.adtsecurity.com.au
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