Why outdated security leaves small businesses exposed to crime
- Written by Dennison Hambling, managing director of ADT’s parent company, Intelligent Monitoring Group Limited
Small and medium businesses in Australia are under increasing pressure to address security gaps that criminals readily exploit. An unlocked door, an unmonitored camera, or a site left empty overnight may seem minor, yet these are the very opportunities that offenders look for. Many business owners assume their premises are secure, though outdated systems often tell a different story.
The scale of the problem is significant. Retail-related crime alone costs Australian businesses up to $9 billion each year, with most incidents taking place after hours.1 Fewer than one in five of these crimes are reported to police, meaning countless small operators face disruption, lost revenue, and damaged property without formal recourse.
For many businesses, security systems were likely installed over a decade ago and have not been upgraded since. These legacy systems often provide only basic alarms or static CCTV recordings. Without live monitoring or verification, incidents can occur with no immediate intervention, leaving owners to discover damage or theft long after the fact. This lag increases both the severity of loss and the time required to recover.
Small businesses are particularly vulnerable due to limited staff and resources. Overnight operations, lone workers, and remote depots increase exposure to crime, and in many cases these environments are left unmonitored. Offenders are quick to identify where deterrents are weak or non-existent, targeting sites where response times are predictably slow.
A single incident can halt operations, disrupt supply chains, and put staff at risk. For a business operating on tight margins, the consequences can be devastating. A store may need to close for repairs, a logistics company may lose shipments, or a healthcare provider may find its duty of care compromised. Reputation also suffers, as customers and partners question the organisation’s ability to safeguard its people and property.
The assumption that cameras and alarms alone are sufficient is one of the greatest risks. Systems that cannot detect live activity or verify threats are unlikely to trigger timely responses from authorities. False alarms caused by disconnected sensors or ageing technology further erode trust, leaving businesses reluctant to rely on their systems at all.
Modern security solutions offer a more comprehensive defence. Intelligent systems now provide 24/7 monitoring, real-time alerts, and the ability to escalate verified incidents immediately. This means police or emergency services are more likely to respond, as the threat is confirmed and urgent. Remote communication tools also let operators deter intruders directly, protecting assets and staff before greater harm occurs.
These systems can be tailored to suit industry-specific risks. For example, a logistics hub requires constant surveillance across loading bays and storage areas, while a medical practice may prioritise access control at entry points. A car dealership benefits from live coverage across outdoor lots, and an aged care facility relies on visibility of staff and residents. Security must be aligned with business operations rather than treated as a generic one-size-fits-all measure.
Technology has also evolved to give owners greater control and visibility. Live feeds and alerts can be accessed from a smartphone or desktop, and footage is securely stored either onsite or in the cloud. This provides not only evidence after an event but also the assurance that incidents are being addressed in real time. Professional risk assessments and installations further strengthen the ability to close gaps specific to each site.
The cost of upgrading security can appear prohibitive, yet the cost of inaction is far greater. Businesses that continue to rely on outdated systems run the risk of repeated incidents, growing financial losses, and reputational damage that can be difficult to repair. For many operators, investment in intelligent, connected security is as much about protecting long-term viability as it is about preventing immediate harm.
Ultimately, small and medium businesses must confront the reality that outdated systems leave them exposed. By adopting modern, integrated solutions, they can protect people, property, and operations with far greater confidence. In doing so, they move away from reactive responses and towards proactive prevention—making it harder for criminals to slip through the cracks.
1. https://www.nationalretail.org.au/policy-advocacy/safe-retail/retail-crime/
