Theft prevention is a key factor in whether small businesses can make a profit. Small businesses are popular targets for burglaries, with merchandise often the primary target. Here are some tips on how to keep your business safe against burglars.
Burglary is defined as unlawful entry with the intent to commit fraud or crimes. Burglars often break into businesses during closed hours and steal merchandise or money. Commercial burglary can be broken down into 3 types: smash and grab, opportunistic and sophisticated burglary.
Opportunistic burglary is the most common type of burglary and is undertaken by those who have no plan but can make entry and take merchandise or money. They will make use of a deserted area or vulnerability in security, such as a door left unlocked or a window left open. These burglars can be unpredictable and will steal whatever goods they can find, which is why they often do not steal high-value items.
Smash and grab burglaries are the most destructive to small businesses and can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. They will often break down doors or smash through windows, which can cost a significant amount of money to repair. This type of burglary is usually planned and the perpetrators do not care about alarms as they plan to make a quick getaway.
Sophisticated burglaries are often well-planned and undertaken by professionals. They tend to target high-value goods that they know they can resell without being caught. These are uncommon, as these jobs require specific security system knowledge and information about the premise. Professionals will scope out the area and have plans on how they will escape once they have grabbed the goods. While this type of burglary is the biggest threat to businesses, a sophisticated security system can prevent this.
Small business security systems are similar to home security systems, however, the features and setup of them should differ. To ensure your small business is protected and you are not wasting money, it is ideal to choose a security system that is designed to protect your business. The placement of cameras and the type of alarm installed should be tailored based on your premises. Security systems don’t guarantee the elimination of crime completely, however they can reduce the risk of burglary significantly.
A strong and well-designed lock on doors and windows can be a major deterrent to burglars. Anti-pick locks act as a good prevention method as they are difficult to pick. Bars and cages can also be installed on windows and doors to prevent entry. Bars and cages made from metal or polycarbonate sheets are highly resistant to cutting and brute force. Unlike other security systems like alarms and security cameras, these can physically deter, delay or prevent break-ins.
Employees can become involved in burglaries, by either participating or passing information to 3rd parties. Limiting who has access to your business is the first step in maintaining your business security. Smart door locks and commercial access control systems can be controlled through a code, swipe card or fingerprint scan. These systems will record the time and date of when each employee is accessing the area. If the swipe card is lost, stolen or the employee leaves the company, the credential can be deleted from the system immediately.
To prevent burglaries from going unnoticed, perform regular inventory checks. Keeping records of any missing product or money can help with future investigations. Inventory should be locked up and out of reach each night, as burglars will take any opportunity to take what is easily accessible.
Commercial security cameras allow you to monitor your premises at any time and provide a record that the police can use to identify the perpetrators. CCTV is an effective deterrent that can discourage would-be thieves and protect your business after hours when no one is physically present.
Security alarm systems monitor your premises for movement and sounds. This is one of the most effective defences against burglars. Intruder alarms give the best protection as they can instantly alert you and the police to what is occurring in your business, with many often scaring the perpetrators off. Intruder detectors such as PIR sensors and reed switches will help detect break-in attempts and improve security response time.
Having CCTV or alarm security systems installed on your premises can assist in the confirmation of burglary events. 24/7 security system monitoring will ensure that security guards are dispatched to the site when needed.
Providing adequate lighting inside your business and at entrance points can discourage burglars from entering your business with force. A well-lit premise increases the chances that the burglar will be caught by a member of the public or police officers. Most burglars will avoid breaking in if there is an increased chance that they will be caught. Leaving the lights on or installing motion-activated lights is a relatively simple, yet effective burglary deterrent.
Burglaries can cost small businesses thousands of dollars every year in damages and stolen merchandise. Our certified security specialists can recommend the appropriate security system that meets your requirements and budget. Contact us today for more information.