Top tips on how to prevent your business being a victim of theft
When a business suffers a break-in, the effects can be devastating – particularly in these pandemic times. But there are ways to ensure your business premises are as safe as possible.
The past 16 months have been tough for many businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic closed many businesses temporarily overnight, and the various lockdowns over recent months have meant that many have not been able to trade at normal levels. But this means that a break-in or incident of theft could be even more devastating for a business that is struggling to make ends meet as it is.
A break-in is always costly. Apart from the value of any items taken, any damage has to be repaired, and then there is the time cost of dealing with police and insurance claims and the like. Dealing with this could also result in losing business as orders may not be able to be fulfilled on time, for instance. But there are numerous cost-effective ways of increasing the security of business premises and reduce the likelihood of this nightmare scenario occurring.
Undertake a risk assessment
There are numerous factors that influence the sort of security a business may need, such as what it sells and the value of assets kept on the premises, along with things like the location, size and trading hours of the business.
With these considerations in mind, it is worth undertaking a risk assessment to find all the potential weak spots in security that any burglar could potentially exploit. This should encompass checks of the locks on doors and windows, any access via a roof, CCTV systems, burglar alarms and the like.
It is also important to note that this isn’t just about security, it can also help to bring insurance premiums down – and in days where every penny counts this is important.
Locksmiths such as Inta-lock Locksmiths in Leicester can undertake security reviews for businesses. As we are not affiliated with any lock or security manufacturer, so we can provide impartial advice on any additional security that may be needed.
Then, if it is decided that additional security is needed, one of Inta-lock Locksmiths’ skilled professionals can install the devices for a price that is competitive with any other locksmith in the Leicester area.
Upgrade locks
There are a wide range of high security locks on the market, including mortice and cylinder locks, which are tougher than standard locks.
In addition, there are locks such as deadbolts – which go into the frame of the door – which can be installed and make a door harder to break down.
Again, a professional locksmith is the best person to install these – locksmiths are highly trained and can ensure it is fitted properly and to a high level of finish.
Door entry systems
Locksmiths such as Inta-lock Locksmiths in Leicester can also install locking systems such as keyless entry systems for offices, which are becoming increasingly common. Digital door locks are also becoming increasingly popular, especially for workplaces where many people come in and out – it means only those with the code can gain access.
Shutters
Security requirements are often different for retail premises – but are just as popular targets for burglars. With shops, it can be cost-effective to fit things such as shutters on the shopfront, which can protect against broken windows and theft through that. It also acts as a deterrent. These can be made bespoke to the shopfront.
CCTV and security lights
If you want additional security measures, it is worth considering things like CCTV. Systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the days of grainy images are long gone. Pictures are in high resolution and colour and are much more useful for identifying burglars and such like. Of course, they can also be an effective deterrent for potential burglars, who don’t want to be seen by prying eyes.
On a related note, security lights can also be an effective deterrent. These lights are triggered by proximity, so if a burglar is trying to get in, they will be illuminated, which is what they don’t want. These also have the use of lighting the way on dark mornings/evenings if you are struggling to find the keyhole to unlock the door, for example.
Burglar alarms
Burglar alarms have been a standard piece of security equipment for many years now. There are a wide range of alarms on the market, but, in general, they make an attention-grabbing noise if anyone trips it – which is the last thing a burglar wants.
Burglar alarms are getting increasingly sophisticated, and more will now send you an alert by text or smartphone app if the system is tripped. Some also automatically send a message to a monitoring centre who then contact the local police.
Of course, just having the alarm box fitted obviously to the outside of your premises can put off some would-be burglars.
Safes and locking cabinets
Security inside your premises is also important. If you keep valuable items on-site, such as cash or documents, then they should be kept securely when not in use, and certainly should be locked away at the end of the day.
There is a wide range of business safes on the market, from free-standing units to those that can be fitted into the wall, depending on what level of security you require. As usual with these things, the more expensive, the higher the security.
In addition, as many businesses still keep physical copies of confidential documents and there are plenty of lockable filing cabinets on the market.
All these make the burglar’s life more difficult, which is what they don’t want – they want to be in and out in as short a time as possible.
By following these tips, it can reduce the likelihood of your business falling victim to a break-in. If you live in Leicester or the surrounding area and want more information on security, or would like a security review or extra security installing, please give one of Inta-lock Locksmiths’ friendly and experienced staff a call or email.
