Understand ways to protect your business
Crime is a serious issue that can affect anyone, and we understand the importance of addressing it with sensitivity and respect. This page provides an overview of what supports are available to you as a business owner and provide you with knowledge and access to resources so we can all work towards a safer society.
Available support
The government, non-government agencies and communities play a crucial role in crime prevention and support for businesses. Find funding and advocacy services below.
Biz secure
Apply for up to $15,000 to make a range of permanent security improvements to better protect your business.
Business security and Safety Audit program
Apply for $3000 in Darwin, or $3500 outside of Darwin to audit the security and safety of your business, including worker safety.
Small business Champions
Small business champions can help identify the support your business can access.
Victims of Crime NT
(VoCNT) Non-government agency providing crisis support, information, advocacy, court support and referrals to other support and services to small businesses
Business resecure program
Apply for up to $1000 including GST repairing damages and for remote location, up to $1500 including GST towards repairing damages.
Find other grants and programs
There are more grants and programs available. Explore all options via the NT Government Grants portal.
Quick reference guide for emergency services
| Important Numbers | Contact |
| Emergencies | 000 |
| Police assistance | 131 444 |
| Fire assistance | 132 500 |
| NT Emergency Services assistance | 08 8999 3473 |
| Crime Stoppers NT (to report suspicious behaviour) | 1800 333 000 |
| Victims of crime NT | 1800 672 242 |
Identifying Types of Crime
Crime is not limited to physical acts and comes in many forms. Understanding the various categories is essential for preventing and addressing it effectively.
Some of the major types include:
- Violent Crime: Assault, robbery, and physical violence are just some examples of violent offenses that can have devastating consequences.
- Property Crime: Crimes like theft, burglary, and vandalism target personal or public property.
- White-Collar Crime: Offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, and bribery, often committed in business or financial settings.
- Organised Crime: Involves coordinated illegal activities like drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal gambling.
- Hate Crimes: Crimes motivated by prejudice against race, religion, sexual orientation, or other identities.
Prevention and Awareness
Crime is a sensitive topic and can have a significant impact on daily business operations.
Here are a number of measures businesses can take to protect themselves:
- Have clear strategies and policies for your staff to follow if they find themselves in a difficult situation.
- Improve lighting around walkways, entrances and exits, ensuring they are well lit to discourage violent activities.
- Ensure you have comprehensive insurance to protect yourself from loss of business or property.
- Install panic buttons and emergency systems that are easily accessible for staff.
- Increase security presence through digital surveillance or physical security.
Business security and Safety Audit program can help you identify a safety strategy.
Access funding to audit the security and safety of your business, including worker safety:
- Be sure all staff follow lock up procedures.
- Limit the cash and valuables you keep on site. If you have safes onsite, ensure they are secure.
- Collect keys from any employees who are no longer working and change any security codes they may have used.
- Engage in a local neighbourhood watch program.
- Contact your local police station to build relationships and get tips about protecting your business.
- Install security cameras and alarm systems.
- Maintain gates and fences. Reinforce entry points with security grade screens, doors or roller doors and padlocks.
- Install bollards or heavy planters as a barrier.
Biz secure
Apply for up to $15,000 to make a range of permanent security improvements to better protect your business.
- Implement strong internal controls, policies, checks and balances.
- Conduct regular audits, to identify irregularities in financial records or employee behaviour.
- Provide ethics training to train employees on ethical business practices and fraud prevention.
- Establish a whistle-blower policy by encouraging employees to report suspicious activities.
- Perform due diligence on partners and suppliers by checking their business registrations and credentials.
- Ensure all employees have the right permits to complete the work assigned, including SafeNT checks.
- Monitor all transactions your business is making.
- Implement supply chain security by securing transport methods and using high quality suppliers to protect any goods from theft.
- Develop policies to protect your staff and customers, implementing a zero-tolerance policy.
- Install surveillance and have security measures in place.
- Educate employees by providing training on identifying any hate crimes and how to report them.
- Partner with local communities and organisations to create a support network that works to address and prevent any hate crimes.
Further Information
How to Report a Crime
If you witness or suspect criminal activity, it’s important to report it as soon as you can.
Contact local authorities through emergency hotlines or report non-emergency incidents through online platforms:
- Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if the incident is life threatening, needs immediate police attendance, a crime is happening now or an offender is (or may be) still in the area.
- If you need police assistance but there is no immediate danger, please call 131 444
- Make an online police report to NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services. The online report tool should only be used if it is a non-emergency such as theft, lost property or an abandoned vehicle.
- Make a Report to Crime Stoppers Northern Territory.
