New Neighbourhood Watch tool to help Victorian business owners prevent crime

Victorian business owners now have access to a free online tool to assess security risks and receive a tailored, practical action plan to prevent crime. ­

How Safe Is My Business is the newest module in the How Safe Is My Place platform – a Neighbourhood Watch Victoria initiative supported by RACV. It launches today and is available at howsafeismyplace.com.au/business.

The interactive, quiz-based tool is designed for small and medium-sized Victorian businesses – from sole traders through to multi-site operators – across retail, hospitality, professional services and personal mobile services.

How Safe Is My Business users receive a customised security report with clear, low- or no-cost actions they can take immediately. No security expertise is required.

The tool comes as crime remains an ongoing challenge across the state, particularly with the latest crime data recording 41,547 thefts at retail locations across the 2025 calendar year, a 6 per cent increase on the previous year according to the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency.

Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Chief Executive Officer Bambi Gordon said the new tool was a direct, practical response to what Victorian business owners were telling their communities.

"Victorian businesses are on the front line of rising crime concerns, and for many small operators, a single crime incident can be devastating,” Ms Gordon said.

"How Safe Is My Business gives every Victorian business owner a way to understand their specific risks and take meaningful action to prevent crime, without necessarily requiring a big budget."

Ms Gordon said the tool went well beyond a generic checklist.

"This isn't a one-size-fits-all list of tips. The quiz is calibrated to each user's business type, size and setup, and the report they receive is tailored to the risks that matter most to them," Ms Gordon said.

"Whether you're a sole trader working from a mobile van, a café owner managing cash and staff safety, or a professional services firm worried about cyber security, the tool will highlight risks you should be thinking about and the practical steps to prevent crime."

How Safe Is My Business covers three areas of business risk:

• Physical security – premises, access points, lighting, signage, alarm systems, CCTV and after-hours security
• Operational risks – cash handling, staff safety protocols, business continuity and supply chain vulnerability
• Cyber security – protecting systems, data and customers from online threats

How Safe Is My Business joins existing How Safe Is My Place modules covering houses, vehicles, farms, apartments and a primary-school learning program – tools that have already helped thousands of Victorians take practical steps to feel safer where they live, work and travel.

Victorian business owners and operators can complete the free quiz now at howsafeismyplace.com.au/business/.

For more information on RACV’s Business Insurance, visit the RACV Website or call 1300 133 614 .