Security in your dealership: the importance of day to day security

Maintaining the physical security of a dealer’s premises and stock is an ongoing challenge, not least because appropriate risk mitigation processes may not be in place, or, more often, those well-intentioned actions might not always occur. 

This post highlights five actions that could help every dealer, regardless of size. Above all, we hope it prompts every dealer to review their business’ security. 

1. Catalytic Converter Thefts — there have been many articles about the frustrating impacts of such thefts. According to a BBC article on 24 June: “Catalytic converter thefts have been reduced to zero over the past seven months after handing out marking kits, a police force says”.  According to West Mercia Police, which distributed the kits and shared advice last November at a talk in Hereford attended by 200 people, catalytic converters could be marked with traceable liquid, and fitted locks were available. An online search suggests kits can be purchased for under £17. As well as security, it could be a nice added-value sales feature. 
2. Keys — this is obvious, but keeping keys out of sight and secure does not always happen in a sales or aftersales environment. A key safe and appropriate ‘use it every time’ procedure is crucial. Now add measures to avoid ‘keyless car theft’, which can take just 20-30 seconds. For these, any key cards/fobs must be kept safe inside a signal-blocking pouch of a Faraday Bag, which blocks a car key fob from transmitting its code to the vehicle. 
3. Building Security — locks. It might sound obvious, but installing suitable locks for your business premises is key. Insurance companies will often require certain lock types, such as a five-lever mortice deadlock that conforms to BS 3621. All doors must be locked every time a building is left unoccupied, and only doors that need to be opened must be left unlocked. Steel strips fitted to the door frame and around the lock can strengthen doors. The same closed-and-locked strategy also applies to windows whenever your business premises are empty. Security bars might be a valuable consideration for hidden or vulnerable window locations. Finally, in this section, an appropriate alarm system should be fitted; depending on potential risk, a monitored system may be suitable. Do check that your alarm system complies with your insurer’s terms. 
4. Perimeter Security - external walls or fences may be adequate, but additional steps such as security lighting, motion-detection lights or a high-quality CCTV system may be appropriate, recognising that while you can use CCTV to protect your property, you must follow data protection law. For more information on this, you can read the guidance on gov.uk. At a basic level, for out-of-sight areas or roof access, simple barbed wire can dissuade an opportunistic criminal. 
5. Staff — your staff are both a great asset and, while it may not be deliberate, a prominent risk to your business. Formal security processes and training are a must covering the physical security of the premises, vehicles (those for sale and those being serviced), stock, money handling (to include money laundering), vehicle demonstrations, sales release (to avoid fraud), security of phones and computers, and a lone working policy for any staff who may be on the premises alone. This is not an exhaustive list, but we hope it helps identify some areas to consider. 

For more on security at your dealership, read part one of our blog series looking at data security.