Smart Security Strategies: How Small Businesses Can Deter Burglary and Theft

For small business owners, burglary and theft aren’t rare occurrences. According to The Hartford’s 2025 claims analysis report, which reviewed claims from more than 1 million small-business property and liability policies over the past five years, burglary and theft are the second most common claims made by small businesses. This ranking reinforces the reality of theft as one of the top sources of loss faced by many small business owners.

For small business owners, the threat of burglary and theft hasn’t changed much over the years. “An analysis of our 2015 claims data indicates that burglary and theft accounted for roughly 20% of small business property claims — a level that has remained essentially consistent to date,” notes Pete Hill, chief underwriting officer for Small Business at The Hartford. “This consistency tells us we’re not looking at a temporary trend in the numbers. Burglary and theft losses continue to be steady, persistent risks that small businesses face as part of their day-to-day operations.” 

Burglary and Theft: Ongoing Business Risks

Why have burglary and theft remained consistent risks for small businesses? Because even though the tools that businesses use and the environments they operate in have changed over the years, the underlying risk of loss hasn’t changed.

Well-managed, efficient businesses rely on structure and consistency. From an operational standpoint, this consistency is a strength. But from a burglary and theft perspective, those predictable patterns can make it easier for bad actors to understand or observe internal procedures from the outside. 

For small business owners, it’s not realistic to disrupt efficient operations simply to create deterrence for theft. The practical response is to recognize where vulnerabilities to criminal opportunity exist and actively account for them by layering preventative, proactive measures on top of normal day-to-day operations. 

How Small Businesses Can Reduce Their Exposure to Theft

Deterring burglary and theft starts with understanding where exposure exists across business operations. For example, risk exposure may be tied to internal accountability (who has access). It can also relate to how the business may be perceived from the outside (what signals the environment sends about oversight and controls). 

As Hill explains, “We sometimes see businesses invest in external security features without strengthening internal access controls, or vice versa. Businesses are better protected when physical security and internal controls are aligned — addressing one without the other leaves gaps.”

For business owners, these concrete steps can help manage access, visibility and monitoring in day-to-day operations. 

Conduct Employee Background Checks

Small businesses rely on trust to operate efficiently. Employees often handle cash and inventory or work in roles that require after-hours access. With lean teams and overlapping responsibilities, staff may also need to work independently for long periods of time. Background checks when hiring can help owners add a layer of verification before granting employees access to vulnerable areas of operation. 

Control Unauthorized Entry

Physical access controls work by narrowing the opportunities for theft. Installing devices such as access control systems and alarms limits the number of ways someone can enter a space without authorization. Outside, signage and fencing can add an additional layer of prevention by reinforcing expectations of how people should move through and around the business’ property. 

Ensure Adequate Lighting

While well-placed lighting won’t prevent burglary or unauthorized entry on its own, it can influence how a business might be perceived when no one is around. Installing exterior lighting around entrances, loading docks and parking spaces makes it harder for burglars to approach or remain on the property without being seen. It also helps ensure movement is noticeable. Interior lighting plays a similar role after hours by brightening dark zones around doorways, hallways and storage areas. 

Install Video Cameras

Many small businesses operate without continuous on-site staffing or supervision. Installing video cameras in vulnerable access points, such as entryways and storage areas, helps fill this gap by allowing business owners to monitor the premises remotely and review suspicious events as needed.

As an added bonus, the presence of cameras can often influence behavior and deter unauthorized entry. Simply by being visible, cameras signal that activity is being monitored and recorded.

Understanding how to prevent robbery in a small business often involves looking beyond day-to-day operations and taking a deeper look at how risk, prevention and insurance work together. To learn more about business risks and find additional insights and resources, visit The Hartford’s Insights Center.

The information provided in these materials is intended to be general and advisory in nature. It shall not be considered legal advice. The Hartford does not warrant that the implementation of any view or recommendation contained herein will: (i) result in the elimination of any unsafe conditions at your business locations or with respect to your business operations; or (ii) be an appropriate legal or business practice. The Hartford assumes no responsibility for the control or correction of hazards or legal compliance with respect to your business practices, and the views and recommendations contained herein shall not constitute our undertaking, on your behalf or for the benefit of others, to determine or warrant that your business premises, locations or operations are safe or healthful, or are in compliance with any law, rule or regulation. Readers seeking to resolve specific safety, legal or business issues or concerns related to the information provided in these materials should consult their safety consultant, attorney or business advisors. All information and representations contained herein are as of March 2026.

The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries, including the underwriting company Hartford Fire insurance Company, under the brand name, The Hartford®, and is headquartered in Hartford, CT.  For additional details, please read The Hartford’s legal notice at www.thehartford.com.  ^© 2026 The Hartford