Every business has different risks, but the same themes come up again and again. This guide lists ten of the security risks London businesses most often need to plan for, with practical ways to reduce each one. It is general advice and not a substitute for a risk assessment of your own premises.
1. Theft and burglary
The risk: stock, equipment and cash attract thieves, particularly at shops, warehouses, building sites and offices with valuable kit.
What helps: a visible security presence, secure locks and access control, CCTV and good lighting, especially during high-risk hours.
2. Vandalism and property damage
The risk: graffiti, broken windows and damaged property cost money and affect your reputation.
What helps: visible officers, good lighting, CCTV and quick reporting and repair, which discourages repeat damage.
3. Physical access to IT and data
The risk: unauthorised access to server rooms, unlocked workstations and unvetted visitors can lead to data breaches.
What helps: controlled access to sensitive areas, visitor sign-in and escort rules, and proper vetting of staff and contractors.
4. Unauthorised access and trespass
The risk: unknown people entering your premises can lead to theft, damage or threats to staff.
What helps: a manned reception or entrance, access control, clear visitor procedures and trained concierge or security staff.
5. Workplace aggression
The risk: abuse and aggression towards staff are a problem in retail, healthcare, hospitality and customer-facing roles. Employers have duties under health and safety law to protect staff from foreseeable risks.
What helps: trained, SIA-licensed officers, clear procedures, de-escalation training and good incident reporting.
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Tell us about your premises and what worries you. We will suggest sensible cover and send a clear quote. Ask for a free quote.
6. Retail crime
The risk: shoplifting ranges from opportunists to organised groups targeting several stores.
What helps: a visible, customer-friendly security presence, staff awareness, tagging and good store layout, and working with local police.
7. Fire and safety hazards
The risk: a fire can endanger lives and close a business. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places legal duties on those responsible for non-domestic premises.
What helps: regular fire risk assessments, trained fire marshals and wardens, clear escape routes and regular checks. Security officers who patrol can report hazards quickly.
8. Construction site theft
The risk: building sites hold plant, tools and materials and are often quiet at night and on weekends.
What helps: manned guarding, access control, perimeter security, lighting and CCTV. See our construction site security guide.
9. Terrorism and public safety threats
The risk: high-footfall venues, events and transport-related sites need to consider threats to public safety. New duties for some premises and events are being introduced under Martyn's Law (the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025), so check which requirements apply to you and when.
What helps: awareness training for staff, documented emergency and evacuation plans and advice from the police counter-terrorism advisers.
10. Internal theft and fraud
The risk: stock shrinkage and fraud by staff or contractors can go unnoticed for a long time.
What helps: proper pre-employment checks, controlled access to stock and cash areas, CCTV, regular audits and clear reporting channels.
Where to start
- Walk your premises as an outsider would and note the weak points.
- List what matters most: people, stock, equipment, data and reputation.
- Decide which hours and areas carry the most risk.
- Combine measures (people, locks, lighting and cameras) instead of relying on one.
- Review the plan regularly and after any incident.
How GM Secure can help
GM Secure supplies SIA-licensed, DBS-checked officers to businesses, venues, sites and events across London and Essex, insured through Hiscox. See our services or ask for a free quote.