One of the greatest challenges faced by many businesses is how to make premises and buildings secure. Criminals know that business properties are often packed full of valuables and are generally unstaffed in the evenings, at weekends and during holidays. And many businesses are located on trading estates and in other locations that aren’t overlooked by neighbouring residents. Builders yards, for example, are packed full of attractive and increasingly expensive building materials that are easily and quickly resold on the black market. If criminals can gain entry it doesn’t take them long to fill their van and make a quick getaway.
Business owners and managers need to take the security of their premises very seriously. Here are some key security recommendations that will boost security.
Start with a risk assessment. Its always worthwhile to take a little time to assess the security weaknesses around your property and to routinely revisit this assessment. You should get your staff involved as their valuable insight is likely to highlight security weaknesses you may not be aware of. Its also worthwhile being aware of crime statistics and information in your area so getting the local police force involved can be beneficial.
Strengthen all entry points. Crime statistics show how most burglars gain entry into properties via doors and windows. As part of your risk assessment, pay close attention to all entry points and make certain these are as robust as possible, locks are highly secure and all entry points are always locked and secure when the premises are empty.
Assess and strengthen perimeter security. Perimeter security is of vital importance for many commercial operations. Supermarket goods-inward yards, builders merchants and garden centres are all examples of businesses where robust perimeter security is essential. Look at all the gates, the height of walls and fences and consider enhancements that can be made to bolster perimeter security. Roller Barrier is now used to protect a wide variety of commercial properties - without risk of causing injury.
Install CCTV and alarms. Today’s security CCTV systems are very affordable, easily installed and packed full of valuable features such as immediate alerts sent to mobile phones. The presence of CCTV cameras, along with appropriate warning signage, is often enough to deter would-be burglars. Experienced thieves will often move on to find easier targets if they run into CCTV security systems. Alarms are another useful security enhancement. Like CCTV cameras, todays alarm systems will not only create and lot of noise, they will also send alerts to mobile phones and possibly security operatives.
Identify and secure valuable items. Thieves will often target premises where they know they can find particularly valuable items. Building materials that are in short supply are a good example. As part of your risk assessment its worth recognising which items are most likely to attract criminal attention and keeping these in secure storage.
Know your staff and visitors. Ideally you should always know who is visiting your business premises. And you should be able to trust and rely on your staff. Engaging your employees in your security strategy demonstrates the need for security. And conducting background checks on new recruits can help in combatting employee theft.
Be highly aware of cyber crime. Sadly, businesses are common targets for cyber criminals. Cyber crime is on the rise creating significant challenges for businesses of all sizes. Its worth investing in high quality anti-malware software and ensuring all staff are fully trained in using strong passwords and keeping computer systems secure.
Keep track of inventory. Its important to maintain awareness of all assets, what they are, where they are and the condition they are in. Asset marking systems are a valuable security precaution that can help identify items if they are stolen and will even deter some criminals from stealing labelled items. Taking digital photographs of valuables is a simple tactic that can help if items go missing.
Use a high quality safe. Most businesses have valuable documents that need to be kept secure and many deal with cash transactions. An insurance accredited safe that’s firmly anchored to the floor and located somewhere it can’t be seen or easily found is the best location to store cash and other small valuables.
Routinely reassess your business premises security. Businesses often change very rapidly so its worth routinely revisiting your risk assessment and looking for weaknesses that can be beneficially strengthened.