IT may only be soap, but the recent burglary at Mike Baldwin's Underworld factory in Coronation Street is a little too near the mark for many business owners who have found themselves in a similar situation.

The viewers knew the burglary was an inside job - all part of Joe Carter's plot to take over Underworld - but as far as Mike Baldwin was concerned, his business was in ruins because the cleaner forgot to set the security alarm. Now, his insurance company will not pay out.

Insurance experts are now urging Coronation Street fans - and anyone else who runs a business - to learn from Mike's harsh lesson and pay special attention to security.

Howard Posner, managing director of Halifax General Insurance, said there was a strong message for East Lancashire businesses:

"Coronation Street has highlighted the issues surrounding business insurance and the importance of making sure all possible preventative measures are taken to protect the premises.

"Unlike domestic insurance, business customers do not usually get a discount for having a security system in place as it is assumed that all business premises have appropriate security. However, some policies do include an alarm warranty that stipulates 'an alarm must be put into operation whenever the premises are closed for business'.

It is fair to assume that Mike Baldwin's policy must have included an alarm warranty."

Bank of Scotland has now issued its top ten tips on the best ways to protect your business premises.

1 Install the best alarm system you can - Nacoss Redcare will earn you lots of brownie points with your insurers.

2 Fit window grilles and bars

3 If you have to keep money or valuables on the premises, install a safe or strong room

4 Fit key-operated window locks to all accessible windows, including those first floor windows or skylights accessible from adjacent roofs or drainpipes

5 Where applicable, fit ram raid bollards

6 Fit five-lever mortice deadlocks on all doors and key-operated mortice bolts on non-final exit doors (not fire doors)

7 Reinforce doors and frames with steel panels and hinge bolts

8 Keep valuable equipment out of sight and away from accessible windows

9 Fit roller shutters on doors and windows

10 Install external security lighting and CCTV.

And in Mike Baldwin's case, No. 11 should probably read: 'Do not give convicted fraudsters, straight from prison, a free hand with your business!'