How to Keep Burglars Out
Businesses of all sizes face security challenges. From the smallest shop to the largest warehouse, security is a top priority.
Protecting your business from burglars is essential to maintaining safety on the premises, saving money and protecting your assets.
At Full Circuit Fire & Security, we understand this and can help keep your business protected at all costs. In this guide, we are sharing how to keep burglars out and how you can secure your business from the outside with a number of fire and security systems to prevent intrusion, theft and vandalism.
Maintaining a Secure Exterior
The exterior of your business is your first line of defence against burglars, so keep it clean and free from rubbish and graffiti.
This not only improves the aesthetic appeal but also reduces the likelihood of your business being targeted by criminals.
If graffiti does appear on or near your premises, contact your local council as soon as possible, as they will dispatch a specialist team to clean it up.
As well as keeping the exterior clean, you also need to check it is secure to prevent intrusion and theft. Regularly inspect your business exterior for areas that may be vulnerable to forced entry, and take steps to secure these areas.
For example, service doors should always be locked when not in use and wheelie bins should be stored away, as they can be climbed on to gain access to the building.
Monitoring and Alarms – The Eyes and Ears of Security
Ensure you have a fully operational, monitored alarm system as this forms a crucial part of your security setup.
CCTV is a potent deterrent for criminals and a great tool for all businesses.
If you already have CCTV on the premises, ensure it’s functional. Consider CCTV systems that can provide facial recognition and record high-quality images.
When setting up CCTV and alarm systems, it’s important to cover all vulnerable areas such as points of entry, dark corners and backrooms which can provide unnoticed access.
As well as investing in or maintaining security systems, lighting can also play a large role in your protection. Sufficient lighting around your property, particularly loading areas, is crucial in discouraging would-be intruders.
Protect Your Goods and Strengthen Your Defences
To protect your goods and the interior of your business, there are some steps that you can implement daily. For example, as you lock up the business for the end of the day consider moving high-value goods away from display windows.
This makes them less accessible for would-be burglars and prevents damage to the exterior of your property.
Another great routine to implement is regular pruning and maintenance of greenery around the property. Prune any overgrown bushes around the premises, as these could provide hiding spots for intruders.
For lasting protection, strengthen your doors, windows and other potential entry points with security-rated products.
There are many options available for this, based on your requirements as a business.
While shutters can be highly effective, they might require planning approval. Attack-resistant laminated glass in sturdy frames is a great alternative and ideal for a range of locations. You could also apply film to your glass to make it more resilient.
Anti-ram raider bollards can also be employed to protect your frontages, though these may also require planning approval.
Safe Cash and Stock Management
Avoid keeping cash on your premises. Instead, use a bolted-down safe with a time lock and anti-tamper sensors that trigger an alarm.
Ensure your stockrooms are locked whenever the premises is vacated and try to keep stock out of sight, as this can deter burglars from even attempting to break into your business.
Should the worst happen, smoke-generating devices can also be used to thwart burglaries. They generate a smokescreen upon unauthorised entry and are designed not to damage stock making them ideal for all kinds of businesses.
Finally, manage your keys responsibly.
Don’t leave them on the premises and limit access to designated staff. To keep track, establish a list of keyholders who can be contacted in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
To maintain a safe business, you need to actively combat break-ins, theft and vandalism.
Burglars will ruin all of the hard work you have put into your business by breaking down the barriers of your property, stealing valuable stock and destroying the premises.
As a business owner or premises manager, it is possible to prevent issues like this. With the measures mentioned throughout this guide in place, you can optimise your business security and keep your investments safe.
Contact Us Today
Full Circuit Fire & Security is always here to provide expert guidance and solutions tailored to your specific needs.
To learn more about business security or to request a quote, please contact us today.
