In this series, Preventable Invasions, we will turn our focus towards crime that businesses and commercial properties face, and how Nightlock door barricades can prevent you from becoming a victim.
Current Statistics of Business Invasions
According to the most recent statistics in 2020, burglary and looting are on the rise across the United States. The amount of business invasions and looting across the nation has severely impacted small businesses, causing more hardship for those who already have to contend with the COVID-19 pandemic.
In June 2020, several major metropolitan areas have reported the grim statistics regarding the upward trend of crime across the United States:
- In Pittsburgh, the Public Safety department reported 50 businesses and properties in the downtown area were damaged.
- The Downtown Seattle Association reported that 50 businesses had damaged downtown and in the neighboring Chinatown-International District.
- The Chicago Loop Alliance said at least 45 properties were damaged in the downtown area by rioting that also spread into the city’s suburbs.
- In Madison, Wisconsin, 75 businesses were damaged and some were looted.
[Source: Claims Journal]
These numbers are only expected to increase in the coming months of uncertainty and unrest. Business owners half to take action to prevent criminals from undermining their livelihood – and for those employees in the surrounding communities as well.
Insurance Coverage May Not Be Enough
While many businesses have security measures in place, like cameras and secure deadbolts, criminals are joining forces and are determined to wreak havoc at a moment’s notice.
Business owners are left with few options other than boarding up their windows with plywood, locking all entranceways, and acting as their own security forces if those measures are breached. And if damage and theft does occur, many business owners are left to rely on their insurance coverage. However, this may not be adequate.
While the Insurance Information Institute states that riots, civil commotion, vandalism, looting and fire in the U.S. are covered perils under virtually all business owners and commercial insurance property policies, some insurers may be reluctant to provide timely payouts. A single incident of a business invasion can be a significant cost to replace – which many business owners out of commission during the pandemic may not be able to do so.
Under normal circumstances, payouts may take weeks to months for a payout after paying a deductible. In this current era, insurers could potentially extend the period of payouts for repairs, business interruption, and stolen merchandise for years.
In response, business owners have been forced to protect their livelihood against violent criminals by using any means necessary – sometimes leading to unimaginable violence and outcomes. As a chilling example, one doesn’t have to look further than David Dorn of St. Louis, who was tragically murdered by rioters while defending his pawnshop.
Prevention is Key with Nightlock
So what can you do to protect your business? The solution is installing Nightlock door barricades on the entranceways of your building.
Trusted in businesses and schools nationwide, a Nightlock door barricade prevents entry to any installed location. With a quick and easy installation, your doors will be secure with an effective security measure that can withstand substantial force.
This prevents entry to your business and in extreme cases can be used to create a safe room for your property and your staff during an emergency.
Additionally, Nightlock offers a variety of other commercial security devices designed to thwart potential criminals. This includes the popular blackout security shades, which prevent criminals from seeing into your business’ windows and defending against prying eyes.
In conclusion, there has never been a more critical time to protect your business property than now. Choose the best in commercial security devices with Nightlock today.