If you’ve been following the news, you’ll know that ram raid attacks have left a path of destruction across Auckland in recent months.
Multiple targets have been hit, with offenders becoming more and more brazen – shifting their focus from local shops to malls and higher end stores.
Our anecdotal evidence shows that, particularly in the Auckland area, tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol products are being targeted as well as clothing and designer goods stores. We're also seeing an increase in claims for stolen vehicles used in ram raids, with many of our customers being contacted by police in the early hours of the morning to let them know their stolen vehicle has been used in a ram raid.
These attacks aren’t just a problem for Auckland though – retail stores around the country need to consider the threat of a ram raid to their business. It’s worthwhile for small business owners to take note of the following advice we’ve gleaned through our experience of working with customers in these situations.
Minimising disruption to your business
Bollards
Bollards and other types of on-site deterrents are well worth the investment. Bollards are strong visual deterrents, however they vary in their effectiveness if not installed correctly.
We recommend choosing bollards that are made of steel and properly installed and buried at least 500-700mm into the ground.
Ram beams are another effective solution when underground cables and pipework make bollards difficult to install.
Remove temptation
There are also day-to-day steps retailers can take to mitigate risks. The most obvious is removing temptation from the shop window at night. It is good practise to move stock out of sight and take the till drawer out to show it is empty. The simple act of turning every other coat hanger around on clothing racks can also slow down a smash and grab.
These ram raiders want branded goods, and items that are easily disposable through social media – so branded clothing, surf and sports gear, power tools and of course, cigarettes.
Fog cannons
Fog cannons are another effective defence, and more and more retailers have been installing them thanks to awareness raised through government initiatives. They can fill a store with a heavy harmless fog in 10-20 seconds. So thick, you can’t see your hand in front of your face. Not only does it prevent raiders from seeing stock, but the fog can also allow store owners and staff to make a safe exit.
I’d also suggest talking to local police to get advice on the latest burglary prevention measures, and to also consider getting a risk assessment completed.
Helping businesses get back on their feet
Ram raids are disruptive at the best of times and for some of our customers, sadly, it can take a long time for their business to recover.
As well as having the right insurance, it’s important that shop owners also protect themselves through effective risk management and prevention to minimise the disruption to their business. We offer specialist advice to help businesses improve their security, and our national team of Risk Management professionals can help assess the likelihood and consequence of loss to a business as well as put together strategies to mitigate this risk.
Our Risk Consulting team has over 25 years' experience supporting the commercial business community and they personally visit over 3,000 customers every year. This scale gives us the insights to identify potential risks to businesses and suggest mitigation measures to address these.
