Commercial Security » Security Tips
The following are but a few examples you may consider to increase your security and safety environment. You will note security is not a psychological "thing" but rather, for the most part, a common sense approach of physical considerations and applications.
Commercial Security Tips (Break and Enter)
- Install a monitored security system with a focus on prevention, detection, verification and notification; “good enough” systems won’t cut it when you are attacked. Seriously consider "cellular" back-up security or similar products to eliminate communication line tampering, always insist on outside sirens and strobe lights,
- Ensure your building exterior does not afford "cover" to allow a predator to complete their attack – easily undetected,
- Install exterior motion sensitive lights; insist these be located so as to disallow their damage or tampering,
- Ensure doors and windows have adequate lock mechanisms, are properly maintained, in working condition, and are secured before day's end. Many B & E’s occur through unlocked access points,
- Ensure your exterior door hinges are inside and not facing outside,
- Keyless entry type doors: maintaining absolute key control is important,
- Impede entrance through your roof through anti-climb devices,
- Maintaining well lit parking areas for the safety of your staff,
- Post your business as participating in a full property identification program (and do it),
- Securing important business files (electronic or hard copy) off-site,
- Participate/contact your local police service for their recommendations; ask about their CEPTD (security through environmental design) program and
- Join your “Business Watch” program.
For more Crime Prevention Tips contact your Crime Prevention Unit of your local Police; they will be pleased you care and asked!
Security System Focus – Prevention, Prevention, Prevention!
The focus of your system should be ‘PREVENTION’ ! Give the intruder a good reason to “stop” their attempt (at entry) by ensuring the ‘burglar’ is aware their activities have been detected (early) even before their entry has been completed and your system is clearly announcing there are or soon will be witnesses (to what they are trying to do). The vast majourity of the time the attempted attack will be instantly stopped and the “flight away” will begin.
A Couple of “Watch Outs” (to look for):
- Inadequate Protection - A system providing a couple of entrance ‘contacts’, an interior motion sensor and ignoring perimeter protection is inadequate. As a business owner you will be disappointed when the system, you were lead to believe will protect your business – doesn’t. Clearly there is a significant difference between asset protection and ‘personal’ safety.
- Understand the “real” Level of Security - Make sure you understand the level of security you are receiving. The difference between adequate and inadequate systems normally relates to “experience and “pennies”. A system built to address your business or family needs is available and affordable. Don’t endanger your business assets, your livelihood or yourself for ‘pennies’; don’t throw your money away.
- Don’t Be Fooled - “Get something for nothing” sales tactics are deployed by companies who are primarily interested in their “next sale”. A trained ‘sales person’ is paid to focus on ‘sales’; they do not design the security system to ensure it addresses the needs of your business. The fact is it would appear they either don’t know, don’t care or are not allowed; none of these behaviours should be considered acceptable or appropriate !
Questions to consider:
In our day to day lives it is a struggle just to ‘get what we pay for’. Now consider paying little or nothing and getting a lot. Really?- How could anything of such significance and value (to us) cost so little? What is the ‘real focus’ of a company providing ‘over-the-phone’ quotes?
- How could anyone possibly understand your business security requirements after a brief phone call or email survey?
- Does this practice illustrate a sincere desire to ensure your security is being properly delivered or is ‘just’ a sale?
- How do I feel about having a professional/business entity who commences our relationship by trying to convince me I’m getting something for nothing?
- Who is the looser when the system fails to meet my expectations of security?
We leave these questions for you to contemplate. After all it is your decision and the best decision is an informed decision.