Beware office burglars over Christmas

Office design news from Morgan Lovell

Published on 22-12-2011

As London office staff revel in Christmas parties and leave their buildings empty for days on end, they are more vulnerable to burglaries than at any other time of year.

This warning comes from commercial property consultant Search Office Space, which reminds workers that 2,500 commercial premises in London were burgled last year.

The shorter daylight hours lead to an increase in burglaries, says the Metropolitan Police, as longer periods of darkness mean buildings become easier for thieves to target.

Search Office Space advises offices to take some simple steps to avoid being burgled. Give trusted staff members specific responsibility for closing and locking all doors and windows before they leave the building, the consultants say.

Offices could also organise a system to log who was first in the building and last out.

The consultants also warn staff against leaving personal valuables in the office over Christmas, and advise businesses to ensure burglar alarms are installed somewhere visible.

Richard Smith, managing director of Search Office Space, said: "London offices are a potential target for any burglar, particularly at this time of the year. Not only do they contain expensive equipment, but priceless intellectual property is put at risk if precautionary measures aren’t put in place for the holiday period."

Copyright Press Association 2011