More often than not, burglary and break-ins are detrimental to businesses. Reports show that the average cost of burglary to a business is around £3,986 – so it’s important to prevent burglaries wherever possible. No matter the size, type or location of your company, a break-in can be devastating. So how do you protect yourself?
Combining access control, intruder alarms and CCTV to create a comprehensive security system is generally the best way to protect your premises against external threat, but is there anything else you can do? We’ve identified other steps that you can take to better protect your business from the risk of burglary and break-ins.
Consider the positioning of assets
Unfortunately, if you keep expensive goods or equipment at your premises, then there’s a possibility that your business could become a target for criminals. Try to position assets or expensive equipment in central rooms, away from windows and doors. It may sound obvious, but if a criminal can’t see it from the street, the temptation won’t be there to try and steal it.
This is particularly true if your business has certain assets that really do need protecting. Don’t forget, this can include data, cash, or other important documents that are of significant value.
Always protect your windows
Some smaller businesses may not have the option of moving assets to a central room, in which case protecting your windows should be your first port of call. It’s one of the most obvious points of entry for burglars, but some businesses do fatally overlook window protection. There are a number of ways to ensure your windows are secure, including everything from adding alarms to installing bars.
Today’s criminals know the vulnerable areas of glass and are easily able to force glazing from its frame. This is why it’s imperative that you don’t skimp on the window instalment – because you get what you pay for. Ensure that the glass, frames and accompanying lock mechanisms are strong, reliable and as secure as possible – and remember, this should apply to doors too. Consider installing intruder alarms at the perimeter of your premises for extra security.
Don’t rely on keys – use access control
Now that your business is on lockdown, it’s a fortress of doors, windows, and safes. But, it’s vital that the keys for your fortress don’t end up in the wrong hands. Managing large numbers of keys and cost of administration can be a major problem. Keys can be easily lost or stolen or duplicated, and on leaving employment, employees often fail to return them or visitors taking them off site. Securing premises, assets and protecting staff remains an issue for any company, but this is where access control comes in.
Access control is about controlling staff or visitor access to specific areas within your premises. Instead of the usual lock and key method, access control secures your building electronically. Access control systems can make the most of keypads / proximity devices and readers instead of locks and keys.
As a business owner, you say how who, where, when and which areas staff have access to. To gain entry, individuals use either PIN numbers, proximity cards or fobs. This provides ease of use for low traffic areas or high levels of flexibility over security in heavy traffic locations, such as shops hotels and offices.
Access control is safer, more reliable and more cost-effective than traditional keys. To discuss how access control can benefit your business, and help protect against burglary or break-ins, call ACC today on 0161 883 2502.
