How to Properly Secure Your Business

POSTED ON NOVEMBER 2, 2019

Theft and burglaries at business facilities are more common than you might think. And it is certainly damaging as well. According to a report by the FBI’s UCR Program, there were over 448,000 business burglaries in 2015 with an average loss in excess of $10,000 per incident. While that rate is alarming, it is important to note that many burglaries occur at businesses without alarm systems due to intruders preferring to take the path of least resistance. That is why it is imperative to have a solid security apparatus in place.

While most would probably assume that the majority of all thefts occur from people outside of the business, it is in fact the opposite. A company loses more to employee thefts than any other external factor. By some accounts, this type of theft costs US businesses over $40 billion per year. These statistics are definitely worrisome, but there are security measures that you can take to mitigate the risk of theft-related losses. Here are a few technologies that you can adopt to properly secure your business.

Security cameras

Installing a security camera is the most logical first step to securing your business. They act as deterrents for burglars who are probing your facility for a break-in and also deter your employees from stealing or damaging company property. Intruders will generally consider your surveillance camera system difficult to circumvent and will typically find a less risky facility to breach. A security camera system is intended to prevent an intrusion rather than dealing with one after it has happened, but it can also be useful in investigations after a crime has been committed.

According to studies, having a security camera in a car park can result in a substantial decrease in crime rates. This can translate to a significant reduction in operating costs, ultimately increasing your profitability and competitiveness.

Moreover, your facility’s insurance costs will generally be much lower with the added cameras, since they are considered a reliable crime prevention tool. You can also use security camera footage to back your insurance claims with evidence that you might not have had otherwise. The more substantial evidence you provide to your insurance company for theft-related claims, the better your chances are to prove and support your claim.

Alarm systems

Alarm systems provide you with a round-the-clock active security system without the need to be present at all times. While having a security guard or a full staff of them is a good idea, it is not always the most cost-effective plan. An alarm system provides you with the advantage of having 24/7 security against burglary and break-in attempts and protects your most important assets. Like security cameras, they are also great deterrents for potential intruders because, on activation, these systems alert law enforcement agencies immediately – something an intruder does not want. This will give authorities the chance to arrive at your property in time to stop a burglary. It can also help keep your property safe by calling the fire department in the event of a fire.

Although great crime prevention tools, alarm systems do have some vulnerabilities, such as being reliant on consistent electricity at all times to stay operating or being susceptible to system tampering. However, these weaknesses can be mitigated to a certain degree. For example, opting for wireless alarms that are powered by batteries, protect you against a system shutdown during a power outage and securing your system in hard to reach areas can make it difficult for unauthorized access.

Insurance companies understand the fact that an alarm system significantly reduces the chances of thefts and burglaries and this is reflected in your insurance premium costs.

High security locks

If you are on a budget and cannot afford a full-fledged security system, then a high security lock system would be an ideal and affordable solution. The biggest advantage that these locks offer is their high resistance to picking. In fact, they are so secure that even professional locksmiths have a difficult time breaching these types of locks without damaging them.

High security locks are highly customizable and can be tailored to your specific needs. Certain areas that should be limited to only certain employees can be fitted with these types of locks, while other areas can have a more basic lock system for easy access. This will allow you to only increase security in areas that should have maximum protection against break-ins and thefts.

Heavy-duty doors

Some areas of your business are more sensitive than others. This could be your treasury office, information hub or your server room. Based on the nature of your business, these areas might need a very high level of security. A heavy-duty door is a great option for rooms that require this degree of strength.

These types of doors are virtually impenetrable and any attempt to break through them are met with very strong resistance. They are reinforced with high grade metal as well as deadbolts and high security locks. Some heavy-duty doors are also equipped with high strength metal screens that shield your main entry door from the elements while also enhancing the appearance of your property.

Heavy-duty doors coupled with an access control system, can significantly reduce the risk of internal theft as well. With only designated employees allowed access to secured areas of your business, it will be easier for you to carry out an investigation in the event of a theft.

Evaluate your space

Workplace security is crucial and purchasing equipment for this arrangement is one of the most significant expenses for businesses. To make the right choice and to prevent yourself from spending money on the wrong equipment, you must carry out a thorough evaluation of your property.

Knowing the security needs of your business will help you prepare an effective security plan for your company. There are several factors to consider that play a pivotal role in this process. The following aspects should be evaluated before designing a security plan for your workspace.

Consider all possible risk factors

Every business is exposed to unique risks so before you start planning your business’s security strategy, it is crucial to bring all possible risks into consideration. If your business experienced a burglary in the past, you can learn from that experience and address any loopholes in your security strategies.

The perfect way to design an effective security strategy is to think like a thief or a burglar and analyze the possible ways you can enter the property. You need to list all the possible crimes that your business is vulnerable to.

Analyze crimes within your industry

Some businesses are at risk of cybercrimes, while some are at high risk of burglaries. The best way to prepare a security strategy is to go through the history of frauds and thefts that took place in businesses within your industry. You can then prepare a plan and purchase security equipment according to the possible crimes that are common for similar businesses within your space. This method reduces the chance of you having to go through the costly experience yourself.

Conclusion

The risk of both internal and external theft at your business is real and should not be taken lightly. It is imperative, especially for small business owners, to reinforce their facility’s security system and make an effort to mitigate their losses whenever possible in order to continue running a successful and profitable business.