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Defending your business against ram raiders
A series of ram raids across the Waikato region has drawn attention to the increasing threat ram raids pose to businesses. These burglaries often cause extensive damage and leave business owners with hefty repair bills.
Vanessa Williams, General Manager of the Hamilton Central Business Association, says the council, City Safe and the police are looking to increase protection measures. She says while there are deterrents available - like concrete bollards and planters - unfortunately, they’re not always a practical solution for every business. “We’re looking at all ideas - from retractable steel bollards to double doorways, and better use of cameras and AI technology, including number-plate recognition to spot stolen cars, quicker,” Williams says.
Ram raiding a threat to all retail businesses
NZI’s Risk Consulting Manager, Brendon McLaughlin, says ram raids aren’t just a problem for Hamilton and the Waikato region - retail stores around the country need to consider the threat of a ram raid to their business.
McLaughlin says it can take a long time for a business to recover from a ram raid. Often there’s significant damage to the building, on top of the loss of stock.
He believes bollards and other types of on-site deterrents are well worth the investment: “Bollards are strong visual deterrents, however they vary in their effectiveness. We recommend choosing bollards that are made of steel and properly installed and buried at least 500-700mm into the ground.”
" Ram raids aren’t just a problem for Hamilton and the Waikato region - retail stores around the country need to consider the threat of a ram raid to their business.
Brendon McLaughlin - NZI Risk Consulting Manager
Ways to add protection to your business
When underground cables and pipework make bollards unfeasible, there are various types of ram beams available. Options range from swinging beams, to fixed and slotted beams which attach to the building and protect the doors or windows when installed correctly.
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, stuff that’s easily disposable through social media – so branded clothing, surf gear, power tools and of course, cigarettes,” McLaughlin says.
Fighting back with fog
Fog cannons are another effective defence, and more and more retailers have been installing them thanks to awareness raised through a government initiative. 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, the fog allows store owners and staff to make a safe exit.
McLaughlin says retailers can take some proactive first steps to address the risk of a ram raid happening to them. He advises talking to their local police to get advice on the latest burglary prevention measures, and to also consider getting a risk assessment completed.
For specialist advice on improving your business’s security contact your insurance broker to arrange for an NZI risk consultant to visit your business.
