Good small business security does not have to be expensive. Most break-ins and thefts happen when premises are empty or easy to get into, so a few sensible checks and the right out-of-hours cover remove most of the risk. This guide covers the main threats, a practical checklist, how to protect premises when they are closed, and which security service suits a small business.
The biggest security risks for small businesses
- Break-ins and burglary, usually at night, at weekends or over holidays.
- Theft, including shoplifting, stock going missing and, sadly, theft by staff or contractors.
- Vandalism and arson, from graffiti and broken windows to fires set in bins or doorways.
- Unauthorised access, such as people walking into back offices, stockrooms or yards.
- Problems found late. If nobody checks the premises out of hours, a break-in on Friday night may not be found until Monday.
Recent business thefts in Hampshire
- Kingsclere, October 2026: an industrial unit was broken into and tools stolen, with damage and theft believed to exceed £45,000. (Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, 25 Oct 2026)
- Totton, October 2025: £3,500 of tools were stolen from a business on the South Hampshire Industrial Estate. (Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, 8 Nov 2025)
In and around Southampton, police recorded 127 burglaries of homes and businesses in December 2025, above the monthly average of about 111 over the past year. (police.uk street-level crime data)
Figures checked November 2026.
Small business security checklist
- Doors, windows and shutters. Fit strong locks, and shutters or grilles on vulnerable entry points.
- Lighting. Light the front, back and sides of the building, ideally with motion-sensor lights.
- An alarm, ideally monitored. A monitored alarm with a keyholding service means someone responds when it goes off.
- CCTV. Cover the entrances, tills, stockroom and yard, and make sure it actually records.
- Signs. Signs saying the premises are alarmed, monitored and patrolled put off casual intruders.
- Keys and codes. Know who has keys and alarm codes, and change codes when staff leave.
- A lock-up routine. Give the last person out a simple list: windows, back doors, shutters, alarm.
- Stock and cash. Keep high-value stock out of sight and bank cash regularly.
- Visitors and contractors. Sign them in and out, and do not leave them alone in back areas.
- Insurance. Check what your policy requires, such as an alarm or named keyholders.
Protecting your premises when they are empty
Premises are most at risk when nobody is there. Walk round the outside and look at it as a thief would:
- The side and back of the building, which are often darker and out of sight
- Roofs, skylights and fire escapes
- Outbuildings, sheds and containers
- Loading bays and yard gates
Then arrange regular checks. A mobile patrol can visit at set or random times, check the doors and shutters, and report anything wrong. For longer closures, see our Christmas shutdown checklist and our void property security.
Do a simple security review once a year
- Walk round inside and out, at night as well as in daylight
- Look back at any incidents, near misses and false alarms
- Test the alarm and check the CCTV recordings
- Update your keyholder list and alarm codes
- Ask staff what worries them, because they often spot weak points first
Which security service suits a small business?
| Service | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Keyholding and alarm response | We hold your keys and attend when your alarm goes off | Most small businesses that are locked and alarmed out of hours |
| Mobile patrols | Set or random visits through the night, with lock-up checks | Premises that need regular checks without the cost of a guard |
| Static guarding | An SIA-licensed officer on site for the whole shift | High-value stock, busy sites or premises with repeated problems |
| Reception and concierge security | Front-of-house officers who greet visitors and control access | Offices and shared buildings |
| CCTV monitoring | Cameras watched remotely, with a response when something is seen | Yards and sites that are hard to see from the road |
Security for shops, offices and industrial units
- Shops: shoplifting, cash handling and late closing are the main risks. Visible security and good CCTV help most.
- Offices: access control and reception cover stop people walking in, and keyholding covers nights and weekends.
- Industrial units: tools, stock and vehicles in yards make them targets out of hours, so patrols and alarm response are common.
Why Hampshire businesses use RG Security
- SIA-licensed officers on every job
- Patrol and shift reports available whenever you ask
- Lone worker protection, with regular check calls
- Family-run, with 10 years in the industry, and rated 5.0 on Google
- SMAS Worksafe Contractor (SSIP). See our certifications.
Areas we cover
We protect small businesses across Hampshire, including Southampton, Eastleigh, Winchester, Portsmouth, Fareham and Basingstoke, and parts of Dorset, Wiltshire, West Sussex and Berkshire. See all the areas we cover.
Questions we get asked
What is the biggest security risk for a small business?
For most small businesses it is a break-in or theft when the premises are empty, at night or at weekends. Shoplifting, staff theft and vandalism are also common. A simple review of your doors, locks, lighting, alarm and out-of-hours cover deals with most of the risk.
Do small businesses need a security guard?
Not always. Many small businesses are well protected by good locks, an alarm, CCTV and a keyholding and alarm response service. A static guard makes sense for high-value stock, busy sites or premises with a history of problems.
What is keyholding, and is it worth it?
Keyholding means a security company holds your keys and attends when your alarm goes off, so you or your staff do not have to go out at night. It is usually much cheaper than a guard and suits premises that are locked and alarmed out of hours.
How often should I review my business security?
At least once a year, and whenever something changes: a new tenant next door, a break-in nearby, new stock, new staff or a change of opening hours.
How much does business security cost?
It depends on the premises, the hours and the type of cover. Tell us those details and we will give you a figure.
Talk to us about your premises
Call 023 8181 0000 or email info@rgsecurity.co.uk with your address and opening hours, and we will suggest the right cover.
© 2026 RG Security Ltd. All rights reserved. This guide may not be copied or republished without permission.