Craft businesses are popular with burglars: How can you protect yourself?

Tools, machinery, high-value materials, as well as electronics and computers – anything that isn't bolted down is a prime target for thieves. Security technology protects against burglary and its consequences.

Police crime statistics for 2025 recorded approximately 49.000 serious thefts from offices, factories, workshops, and warehouses. A significant portion of these likely involved craft businesses – due to their large number of locations and the often easily marketable equipment. "The security measures of smaller companies, in particular, are frequently limited – comparable to those of moderately secured single-family homes," says Carl Becker-Christian , Managing Director of the BHE Federal Association for Security Technology.

Security is often a secondary concern because day-to-day business demands almost all of one's time and attention. While material goods can be replaced, being "well insured" is no excuse for negligent prevention. In the event of a claim, the insurance company carefully examines whether the security measures stipulated in the policy were in place and functioning. If not, the insurer can reduce or deny coverage.

Furthermore, the replacement of tools and materials can take longer, and orders may not be fulfilled for the time being. Meanwhile, wages, rent, and lease payments continue, further straining liquidity. "Experience shows that even minor property damage can lead to significant operational disruptions or interruptions," warns the insurer HDI.

Business interruption insurance can also cover these consequences, provided that burglary is included as an insured peril – and the security measures are intact.

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What measures can businesses take to stay on the safe side? That's a question of strategy and tactics – and of the available technical possibilities.

Effective burglary protection is a race against time.

Carl Becker-Christian Photo: © BHE

Whether a business is secure against burglars depends first and foremost on the weakest points of the building envelope: doors, windows, and gates . For new buildings and renovations, the police recommend using certified burglar-resistant windows and doors according to DIN EN 1627, at least resistance class RC2 – or even better, resistance class RC3. "Certified" means that the entire component – ​​including the door leaf, frame, lock, cylinder, and hardware – has undergone a stress test.

Components of resistance class RC2 must withstand a break-in attempt using simple tools, such as screwdrivers or pliers, for at least three minutes. Elements of resistance class RC3 must withstand even more intensive attacks, such as those using crowbars or hand drills, for at least five minutes.

"Many businesses do not meet these standards. However, existing buildings can be retrofitted accordingly. The components must be coordinated, though. A robust door is of little use if a window or an older workshop door next to it can be easily breached," says Becker-Christian.

Electronics beats mechanics

Robust mechanical security measures that make it difficult for perpetrators to access the property are only the first stage of an effective protection concept. A key component is an intruder alarm system.

For "perimeter surveillance," doors, windows, and gates are equipped with electronic contacts that detect attempted break-ins and alert the police or a security service. If perpetrators nevertheless manage to enter the interior, motion detectors and video cameras are activated.

The emergency call and service center plays a central role . It processes incoming alarms according to a predefined action plan; an external siren might go unheard. Video images transmitted from the scene can be analyzed using AI to determine whether it is an actual break-in or a false alarm.

For larger or less easily monitored company premises, it is advisable to install security technology right at the property line . If fence and ground sensors, light barriers, or video analysis are triggered, cameras are activated—automatically or by the monitoring center—spotlights are switched on, and loudspeaker announcements are made. The perpetrators flee or can be apprehended by the security forces, who are also automatically alerted. "This perimeter protection can provide crucial minutes of head start in preventing a threat," says Becker-Christian.

Networked security

While some companies place little emphasis on effective burglary protection, others have gradually expanded their security measures. Often, the installed components, such as cameras, an alarm system, or an access control system, operate independently of each other without exchanging information.

" State of the art is an integrated approach where all systems communicate with each other," says Becker-Christian. This also covers the operational risk of fire. A fire alarm can simultaneously alert the fire department, close fire doors, activate smoke extraction systems, and shut down ventilation systems.

Especially in high-ceilinged halls or open areas, camera-based flame and smoke detection can be a valuable addition. An access control system is also advisable . It regulates which employees, suppliers, or service providers are authorized to enter specific workshops, warehouses, and offices. This also offers organizational advantages. Lost keys and time-consuming lock replacements become a thing of the past. Chip cards or transponders can be programmed in seconds and deactivated if lost.

Commission certified specialist companies

Which security measures are suitable in a given case depends on the type of operation, location, assets, and company processes. The planning and implementation of security technology, including the preceding risk and vulnerability analysis, should be handled by qualified security technology companies. According to DIN VDE 0833-1, alarm systems may only be planned, installed, expanded, and modified by qualified electricians specializing in alarm systems.

"Grand theft" is the term used in crime statistics to refer to burglaries. In 2025, of the nearly 49.000 reported cases, around 18.000 ended in the attempted stage. Becker-Christian: "Experience shows that visible and robust security measures prevent perpetrators from even starting a planned crime or cause them to abandon it in the initial stages."

➡️ The BHE publishes a list of qualified specialist companies at www.bhe.de/fachfirmen-sicherheitstechnik.

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