Starting a business is no small feat—it takes dedication and sacrifice in order to make the dream a reality. Moving your business from a garage to a space dedicated to employees and customers can be a very exciting event. This transition into a storefront or office comes with a whole new set of responsibilities, but one of the most important which business owners will face is finding the proper security measures for their environment.
Some firms are more at risk than others when it comes to robberies and break-ins. These businesses include but are not limited to, name-brand retailers, mechanics, jewelers, and banking locations. Today we will be going over different ways business owners can stay one step ahead of criminals.
Review in-place security measures
Before changing or adding anything to your present security measures, take the time to review what is currently in use. Locations should already have two of the most essential forms of security: an alarm system and video surveillance. These are essential for alerting authorities of break-ins as well as identifying perpetrators. There is no “one-size-fits-all” procedure when it comes to securing your location, but there are different options for methods that you can apply.
Use appropriate lighting
The cost of a slight rise in your building’s electric bill is nothing compared to that of a devastating break-in. The building should be well lit, both inside and out, in order to deter criminals from even approaching the location. When installing lighting, take care to ensure it is firmly secured and cannot be tampered with.
Invest in strong doors
While a glass door may be aesthetically appealing, it is in no way the safe option. Instead, choose a strong and heavy door that would be difficult to break or kick. Robbers want to spend as little time on the property as they can—the longer they spend trying just to open the door, the higher the chances are of them being discovered.
Be mindful of keys
The keys to the building should only be entrusted to appropriate employees. The more copies produced, the more likely one is to end up in the hands of the wrong person. Limit the number of keys and change the locks immediately if any go missing.
Train and educate employees
Now that we have reviewed current and potential security methods, let’s discuss how employees can be involved. Staff should be briefed on exit strategies if a robbery or break-in should occur while they are in the building. Management should also stress the importance of reporting suspicious behavior inside and outside of the location. By taking proactive measures, employees can be more adept at spotting concerning behavior.
Engage in your business’s local community
Chances are, you’re not the only business owner looking to deter break-ins—be sure to be engaged with your local community in order to stay informed. You can connect with local business owners and neighborhoods nearby to be up-to-date on break-ins or thefts in the area. This allows you to stay ahead of criminals by being aware of what’s happening in your community.
Consider hiring security services
Even when business owners take as many preventative measures as possible, robberies and break-ins can still occur. Consider hiring security services so you can effectively protect your company and staff. There are a wide variety of security guards, ensuring that you will be able to find one that fits your business’s unique needs. Contact our team here at Apex Security today to discover what will work best for you and your company.