The Cost of Not Having a Safe: Real Risks to Scottish Businesses
For many companies, security is something considered after a problem occurs. Yet the cost of not having a safe for Scottish businesses can be far greater than the cost of investing in one. From theft and fire to insurance disputes and reputational harm, the risks are real and can impact even small organisations.
Across Scotland, businesses in retail, healthcare, law, finance, and the public sector rely on safes to protect their cash, documents, and digital backups. But many others still leave themselves exposed. In this guide, we’ll look at the hidden costs of not having a safe and how the right solution can protect your organisation.
1. Financial Loss from Theft
Theft remains one of the most common threats to businesses. According to Police Scotland, shoplifting and retail crime cost millions each year. Opportunistic theft, burglary, and even internal dishonesty are ongoing risks.
Retail crime is escalating rapidly in Scotland—shoplifting counts more than doubled over the last few years, climbing from 20,557 to 44,730 incidents in 2024/25. The average cost per store is over £12,000, equating to approximately £62.9 million across the country. Read more here!
Without a safe, businesses face:
- Cash left in tills or office drawers being stolen overnight
- Increased opportunities for staff theft
- Insurance refusing cover for unsecured cash
Solution: Installing a Grade 1 security safe offers overnight protection for up to £10,000 cash (and 10 times that amount in valuables). These safes are compact, discreet, and suitable for retailers, hospitality venues, and small offices.
👉 Explore retail-ready safes here.
2. Fire Damage to Essential Documents
Although fire incidents may be at a decade-long low, with just 24,060 fires in 2023–24, the risk remains very real—especially for unprotected documents and valuables.
The consequences of losing irreplaceable records go far beyond the cost of paper. Lost contracts, client files, or financial data could mean fines, legal disputes, or even the closure of a business.
Solution: A fire-resistant document safe with 60 minutes of tested fire protection provides crucial time for recovery. At Safes International, our safes are tested to BS476 Part 20, giving peace of mind in the event of fire.
3. Compliance and Legal Risks
Businesses handling sensitive data—such as solicitors, dentists, accountants, and healthcare providers—must comply with GDPR and other regulations. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) may impose fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% of an organisation’s total worldwide annual turnover, whichever is higher, in cases of serious data protection breaches.
Without a safe, you risk:
- Confidential files being accessed without authorisation
- Client or patient data being lost or stolen
- Reputational damage if records are mishandled
Solution: Certified safes protect documents and digital storage devices, ensuring compliance and demonstrating due diligence in protecting client data.
4. Insurance Claim Rejections
Insurance companies set strict conditions on how cash and valuables are stored. If you leave money unsecured in a drawer or cupboard, your policy may not cover losses.
The cost of not having a safe for Scottish businesses often comes in the form of rejected claims.
Solution: Safes International supplies safes certified by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), from Grade 0 to Grade 6. Each grade corresponds to an approved level of cash or valuables cover, ensuring compliance with your insurer’s terms.
5. Reputational Damage
Theft or data loss damages more than your balance sheet—it erodes trust. Customers expect their data and transactions to be protected. If sensitive records are lost, clients may take their business elsewhere.
For legal firms, healthcare providers, and financial services, reputation is often your most valuable asset. A single incident could cost you long-term relationships and future growth.
Solution: A safe is an investment in trust. By protecting client information and valuables, you send a clear message that security is a priority.
When Installing a Safe Isn’t Possible
Some organisations face challenges when installing a safe—perhaps due to building restrictions, lack of space, or short-term needs. For these businesses, Safes International works with the Safe Deposit Centre Manchester, offering secure off-site storage.
This service provides:
- Private deposit boxes for documents, cash, and valuables
- 24/7 monitored security in a dedicated facility
- Flexible rental terms for short or long-term use
It’s the perfect option for those who need secure storage without installing a safe on their premises.
The Bottom Line
The cost of not having a safe for Scottish businesses can be devastating. Theft, fire, compliance failures, rejected insurance claims, and reputational loss are all avoidable with the right protection in place.
At Safes International, we’ve supported Scottish businesses for over 35 years, providing certified safes that meet both security and insurance standards. From compact Grade 0 models to high-grade safes for larger institutions, we offer solutions to match every industry.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect your assets, staff, and reputation today.
📞 Call our Glasgow team on 0141 554 1170
📩 Contact us online for tailored advice
🔍 Browse our full safe collection here
Safes International – Secure your business. Secure your future.
