When you own a business, it’s your job to protect your company from every possible harm to the best of your abilities. But sometimes, events are beyond your control.
Despite your best efforts, people could want to harm your company. Whether it’s bored teenagers over the summer or someone with more intentional threats in mind, vandalism is an easy crime that can damage your property.
So far in 2023, over 2,700 reports of property crime have been made in Richmond, VA. Vandalism and graffiti are huge proponents of that number.
What is Vandalism?
Vandalism is considered the intentional marking or defacing of property – in extreme cases, vandals even aim to damage. This can include spray painting images or lewd words on your building’s surfaces or even breaking a window.
Commercial properties are especially susceptible to vandalism in Richmond due to the city’s high crime rate.
This senseless destruction of property can wind up costing your business hundreds to thousands of dollars in repairs depending on how large the affected area is.
Since vandalism often occurs after hours when you are away from the building, the best thing you can do to prevent vandalism is take proactive measures against it.
Tips for Preventing Vandalism
- Install a fence surrounding the property. Fences act as a great barrier that prevent trespassers from accessing the grounds.
- Install video surveillance as a proper security measure. Having cameras in clear view will deter someone who is considering vandalism out of fear of getting caught.
- Invest in exterior lighting. Placing light fixtures around the building to keep the area well-lit will deter people who don’t want to be seen doing nefarious activities.
- Secure all entry points to your business. Make sure all doors, windows and gates are locked up to prevent vandals from getting in.
- Add protective landscaping to your grounds. Shrubs covering windows and plants with thorns growing on the walls can keep offenders away from vulnerable areas.
- Upgrade the building with sturdier materials. Anti-graffiti paint can protect the walls, impact glass can protect your windows and barriers can prevent trespassing.
- Keep your landscape clear of projectiles. Large rocks, bottles, empty cans and more can be used as “missiles” to throw against the side of your building.
- Hire security. If you are especially worried and have the budget for it, security patrols put an extra set of eyes on your building to stop vandals before they strike.
Does Business Insurance Cover Vandalism?
If you’ve instilled these protective measures for your business and still become a victim of defilement, hope isn’t totally lost when it comes to protecting company finances.
Business insurance covers a lot of damage that can occur on your property so long as it is out of your control, including vandalism. Whether your initial coverage plan includes it or you tack it on with property and liability insurance, vandalism can be taken care of. Any costs you accrue for repairs and covering up the markings will be reimbursed by your insurance company.
Vandalism Coverage in Richmond, VA
Since business insurance is required to have, it’s best to find quality insurance that covers every potential harm that could come to your property.
Sanford Insurance offers extensive business insurance plans for commercial properties in Richmond, VA. Our packaged property and liability programs provide coverage for any crime that causes damage to your physical building – including all forms of vandalism and graffiti.
Contact us today and prevent financial loss from someone else’s ill intentions.