How small businesses can recover from break-ins and theft

Break-ins and thefts can happen at any small business, no matter how tight the security.

In the retail sector alone, more than half of small businesses said they had been victims of shoplifting in the prior year, according to a 2022 survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. And break-ins and thefts occur across all sectors.

So, it is important for small business owners to prepare in advance and have a plan for dealing with a break-in or theft, to minimize damage.

Roxie Lubanovic, co-founder of Frostbeard Studio in Minneapolis, which makes candles, had her studio broken into in 2016 over a holiday weekend. Thieves stole equipment and supplies, then damaged locks and doors getting in and out. Insurance covered the losses, but it was still difficult recovering.