Business Security
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The biggest criminal threat to your company is the opportunist burglar. Remember opportunist doesn't mean amateur, these types of burglar can be very experienced and very good at what they do, they simply look for the best opportunity to get in and out of a building with stolen goods. This does mean they are easy to put off.
The biggest risk you will face is during the night, especially in pre-fabricated buildings which often have completely inadequate security. Doors and windows with low level security measures, bolted metal wall panels are all weak spots that a burglar will spot. You should also make sure your premises has an alarm, and be aware that windows may be targeted as there is less chance of being heard at commercial property.
There threat of burglary will never disappear, but these steps will help to deter potential burglars. The more time and effort someone has to spend trying to get into your premises, the more likely they are to give up.
External Security
Line of sight: Some plants or other buildings can obscure the view onto your premises and provide a burglar with cover. Try trimming down bushes or trees and make your building visable to surrounding residents or businesses.
Perimeter Fencing: A flimsy fence will be useless for keeping out intruders, try steel panels and concrete posts instead of the common chain link type fencing.
Secured Gates: As all premises with surrounding fences will need a gate to let people in and out, they can be easy targets for burglars. Look at the design, vertical bars or flat covers are useful, as are spikes or other hazards on the top to prevent people from climbing.
Effective Lighting: External lighting will remove the cover of darkness and put off intruders, especially in residential or busy areas. Keeping lights on may stop intruders, or if they disable the lighting, suspicion may by aroused in nearby areas.
Defensive Planting: Prickly plants such as thorn bushes will stop intruders, these can be useful under windows or in gaps in fencing.
Doors and Windows: The walls, doors and windows of your building are the last line of defense before the burglar gets inside. Make sure these are all in good, secure condition. Consider installing roller shutters or secure doors, these provide extra security although will not withstand a ram raid. To protect against this threat, anti-ram posts can be effective. Fit mortise locks on each door to prevent break-ins.
Internal Security
Reception Area: Reception areas should be friendly and welcoming to legitimate visitors, but should be the absolute furthest that criminals can get. Reception areas should be permanently staffed and preferably CCTV monitored. All other areas in the building should be accessible only by employees or legitimate visitors. Keypads or security cards should be used to prevent other from gaining access. Any visitors should be logged in and out and given badges or cards.
Business Equipment: Any equipment which could be removed should be clearly marked with the company name and postcode. All computers should be clamped down or put in secure housing.
Safes should be used to store any cash, but you should take note that safes are rated for insurance purposes and there is a limit to how much it can hold.
Any portable equipment such as tools should be stored in secure cupboards, secured to the floor or if possible taken off the premises.
Alarm Systems: An alarm is one of the most valuable tools against burglaries and are most effective when linked to a central station or to the police.
