Is there anything that I can do to prevent my premium from increasing? There are many actions with little or no cost that can be done. Tip 36 – Opportunistic Theft on the increase On speaking with our local Crime Prevention Officer Dermot Harrington last week he very kindly expressed his appreciation for the efforts we make to communicate the advice to retailers that he believes goes some way to be of assistance to his demanding tasks. Dermot asked that we warn retailers of the recent increase of shoplifting and theft from store rooms where doors are being left unlocked. We want to remind you that theft of stock where there is no forcible entry or violence is not covered by your insurance. If there is one word that describes the greatest single preventative measure you can take to avoid being a victim of an insurance claim that has to be communication. How do you communicate with your staff? “I just tell them what they need to be told as and when they need.” Consider holding gatherings with staff on a regular basis. Decide upon the frequency yourself but we would suggest at least monthly. Meetings should be brief. Ideally between 15 and certainly no more than 30 minutes. A structured method such as Team Briefings are excellent. They should be about two way communications. Remember your staff observe occurrences first hand and hearing their take on incidents is vital. If you don’t think that you have enough to cover, then print off most of the fortnightly Tips that we have been sending you for the last 18 months. If you don’t still have them, please let me know and I can send you copies. We are making a difference communicating with each other but please remember that your staff play a crucial role in our mutual objective which is to avoid insurance claims and hence taking every possible step to avoid spiralling premium increases! Always remember – call us to discuss any/every incident. We will advise and guide you.