New Zealand’s pre-holiday smash-and-grab crime has started early! Chinese business owners, take action and check these safeguards

Every year before Christmas, police issue safety warnings reminding people to protect their property. This year, however, the pandemic and prolonged lockdowns seem to have brought the smash-and-grab crime wave forward. Theft targeting businesses and shops has been particularly frequent compared with previous years, with alarming numbers of incidents!

Chart: Chris McDowall. Image source: New Zealand Police

The police chart above shows shop theft figures in central Auckland over recent years. It indicates an upward trend year on year, with a marked increase in theft frequency since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Image source: www.nzherald.co.nz

Harden operates 6 dairies in Auckland. He could not believe his shops had been burgled 5 times in a month, causing losses of up to $65,000! Speaking to the NZ Herald, Harden said he had been in the Auckland dairy business for 18 years, but the past year and a half had been his worst experience ever. The criminals’ brazenness was beyond belief.

Image source: internet

Ahead of Christmas, Rothbury Insurance Brokers is reminding Chinese business owners that, although the risk of theft cannot be eliminated, taking precautions can protect their businesses and property and minimise losses if something happens. Rothbury urges Chinese business owners to put the following in place before Christmas: Basic security precautions:

Install an alarm system. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent theft. In many cases, the alarm itself deters offenders and discourages them from attempting a break-in.
Install CCTV cameras so you can check what is happening in the shop at any time. Cameras can deter thieves and provide real-time monitoring of unexpected incidents.
When leaving the shop, carefully check that doors and vehicles are securely locked. Most theft occurs when criminals spot an opportunity, such as an unlocked door, keys left in a vehicle or a window not properly closed. When closing, personally check that all doors, windows and vehicles are fully secured, and ensure keys are kept safely.
Lighting: Bright indoor and outdoor lighting is a powerful deterrent to thieves. Strong lighting near doors and windows is particularly effective.
Cash management:

Keep as little cash as possible at the till and POS terminal
Store cash in a safe
Do not take cash home. Choose a reliable manager to handle cash storage at closing time.
Standardise opening and closing procedures. Stay alert to the shop’s surroundings and act immediately if you notice any suspicious people or items.

Arrange suitable insurance in advance to protect your property and business. Rothbury recommends discussing your circumstances with a professional insurance adviser from its Chinese-speaking team, who can provide an insurance solution tailored to your specific needs.

A special reminder to readers from the editor

When choosing a commercial insurance adviser, we recommend first checking the brokerage’s service quality and claims process, particularly the claims experience. Prompt professional advice and claims assistance after a theft can help ensure the situation is handled properly rather than making matters worse. At Rothbury, when clients need to claim, professional insurance advisers explain the scope of cover and act on their behalf to help submit claims documentation to the insurer. They track progress throughout, keep clients informed of developments and negotiate with the insurer in the client’s interests until the claim is concluded. A professional claims team and attentive Chinese-language service take the worry out of making a claim.

Meet the expert

Jing Yong

Insurance adviser

Jing has worked in insurance for 14 years and joined Rothbury seven years ago. Over the years, she has gained extensive underwriting and claims experience, developing a thorough understanding of policies and insurance solutions. As a commercial insurance specialist, Jing focuses on helping small and medium-sized businesses across industries choose insurance solutions, with clients in sectors including construction, retail and hospitality. Professional, dedicated, caring and attentive, she is committed to building strong client relationships, establishing a sound reputation and earning clients’ trust.

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Disclaimer

The examples cited and all insurance-related content in this article are for reference only.
The views provided by YIJU and Rothbury in this article do not constitute financial advice.

Please consult a professional insurance broker about your specific insurance arrangements.