Businesses Lose Billions to Theft
Each year, business owners lose billions of dollars to theft. According to the FBI’s 2019 Crime Report, over 415,000 non-residence locations suffered a burglary that year.
There are simple steps you can follow to help protect your business from burglary.
Deposit Cash and Checks
If your business accepts payments of cash or checks, make deposits regularly. Burglars often target businesses based on the amount of cash they expect to find there. They can also use checks to gain bank account and personal information to commit fraud or identity theft. Deter burglary, especially an “inside job,” by removing the temptation. This also ensures that if burglars do gain access to your business, they won’t find what they are looking for.
Install a Security System
If you haven’t already, install an alarm system or some other type of detection equipment in your business.
An alarm system includes various sensors installed on doors and windows. You can add motion detection devices to supplement the sensors. If a burglar breaks in to your business, the sensors or motions will sound an alarm and communicate to an offsite monitoring company. They will then notify you and can dispatch the police.
For businesses with large campuses, you can use infrared beams for perimeter protection. The beams generate an alarm when trespassers cross them.
Use the Right Doors, Windows and Locks
Some burglars will kick down or otherwise break through a business’ door to gain access. It is very important that you have the most secure doors possible to prevent this. Steel doors, placing hinges inside instead of out and reinforced door frames are all critical.
Reinforced window glass helps to prevent access. Deter entry with security bars on the windows. This may not create the most attractive look for a business, however, more decorative options are available these days for businesses in a high crime area that need the extra security.
Install double-cylinder dead bolt locks, ones that can only be opened with a key on both sides. Or for even more enhanced security, consider installing access control systems such as card or biometric readers.
Video Surveillance
Protect your business from theft or burglary with a camera system. Just the presence of a video camera is often enough to stop a potential thief. If the burglar breaks in anyway, the crime will be recorded and the police can use the footage to help identify them. Alarm companies also provide video verification services. If your burglar alarm goes off or motion is detected in off hours, the monitoring company can bring up the video right then and relay the information to the police. They can even let them know how many perpetrators, what they are wearing and where they are in the building.
Video monitoring analytic services offer insight into possible criminal activity around your business before a crime is actually committed. Alerts can be set up to report suspicious loitering, any activity around the perimeter of your business and/or if someone crosses a specific boundary near your business. Monitoring can be set up for only when a business is closed or 24 hours a day, seven days a week depending on your needs.
Protect Valuables
Business owners should lock up or remove from view valuable products and items. A retail clothing store, for instance, may use a fenced “cage” to store designer handbags, jewelry and other high-dollar items. Move valuable items from a window display area when the store is closed. Burglars looking for an easy target will attempt a smash and grab if they think they can get these items quickly.
Lock laptops either with a keyed docking device or in a drawer or cabinet. Make it as hard as possible on thieves. Keep extra inventory in a locked area. For office buildings, install access control systems on each floor. These extras will either turn away intruders or delay their departure, giving the police time to arrive.
We Can Help
Cultris Security Systems has been protecting businesses from theft for more than 16 years! Contact us at 281-506-8466 or online and we can help design security solutions right for your business — while remaining in your budget.
Image by Roberto Lee Cortes on Pixabay
