Theft, Robbery and Burglary: What’s the Difference?

Theft. Robbery. Burglary. If you are a business owner, those are three words that you never want to hear. You have worked hard for your business, and criminals can take it all away in a matter of minutes. While often used interchangeably, these words all have their own unique meanings. Let’s take a closer look at what each one means to your business.

Theft

Theft is defined as the wrongful taking of another person’s property. For business owners, this could mean employees stealing merchandise or money, customers shoplifting or any other type of property loss. Because thieves are usually sneaky, it is often difficult to spot and stop wrongdoers.

Your best way to mitigate loss due to theft is to install security systems and equipment. Position security cameras at all exits, above cash registers, in storage rooms and at strategic angles to cover all areas of your business.

Robbery burglary

The main difference between theft and robbery is the element of fear. While thieves take property in a sneaky manner and try to go undetected, a person committing a robbery uses fear or force to steal property.

Robberies take a major toll on employees, so make sure they are trained on how to react in such a situation. Employee safety should always be your top concern. Investing in 24/7 monitoring helps ensure that employees can notify the authorities when needed.

Burglary

Forced entry is the primary characteristic of a burglary. Most burglaries occur at night when businesses are most vulnerable. Proper lighting and alarm systems are vital for businesses of all sizes. Mobile solutions allow you to keep an eye on your business even when you are not there. And having 24/7 monitoring ensures that the authorities will be notified right away in the event of a break-in.

At Colorado Security Products, we are here to help you protect your business from things like theft, robbery and burglary. Contact us today to learn more.