As we move further into 2025, Greater Manchester continues to experience a rise in physical security incidents affecting commercial premises. Recent reports highlight an increase in opportunistic break-ins, out-of-hours intrusions and vulnerable access points being exploited. With incident levels currently elevated across the region, it is essential that businesses reassess their existing arrangements and ensure their security measures remain robust and appropriate.
Increase in Opportunistic Break-Ins
Local businesses are experiencing a higher volume of opportunistic, low-level crime, particularly on industrial estates and business parks located outside town centres. Empty or partially staffed premises are being targeted for the theft of tools, equipment, fuel, and scrap metal.
Recommended Action:
Review physical security measures (locks, gates, access control, CCTV) and consider combining static deterrents with a visible and regular mobile patrol service to reduce the likelihood of becoming a target.
Higher Risk During Non-Working Hours
A significant proportion of incidents are occurring during evenings, weekends and public holidays when premises are unoccupied and there is no on-site presence. In several recent cases, intrusions have not been detected until the following working day, giving offenders additional time to remove items and cause damage.
Recommended Action:
Ensure keyholding and alarm response arrangements provide rapid response capability. Where possible, integrate remote monitoring and real-time alerts so that incidents can be investigated immediately.
Vulnerable Delivery and Access Points
Rear entrances, loading bays and shuttered access points remain particularly vulnerable. These areas are often overlooked during routine inspections and may be poorly lit or temporarily obstructed, presenting an attractive opportunity for intruders.
Recommended Action:
Introduce scheduled, documented patrols — either via your own team or a professional mobile patrol service — to include all access points and delivery areas. Ensure lighting and camera coverage are maintained, and that any defects or obstructions are reported without delay.
Limited Real-Time Response Capability
Many businesses still rely solely on alarm activations without a clearly defined real-time response plan. Even a short delay in responding to an alarm can significantly increase the impact of an incident and provide offenders with time to leave the site undetected.
Recommended Action:
Establish a complete incident response protocol that combines alarm monitoring, professional keyholding and rapid mobile deployment. Where appropriate, additional support via remote concierge can enhance situational awareness and triage capability before dispatch.
Conclusion
Physical security risks across Greater Manchester remain high throughout 2025, with opportunistic break-ins, out-of-hours intrusions and weaknesses at access points continuing to present a real threat to operational continuity. A proactive and well-structured approach — including regular patrols, professional keyholding, real-time monitoring and rapid response protocols — is essential to mitigate these risks effectively.
To arrange your Free Security Assessment contact us:
📍 Unit 8a Broadgate, Broadway Business Park, Oldham, OL9 9XA
📞 0161 628 9169
📧 info@clearwatchsecurity.co.uk
🌐 https://clearwatchsecurity.co.uk
