Keeping your business secure from external threats is a vital part of day-to-day running.
These days, a good number of potentially damaging intrusions come from cyber threats. However, the physical risks are still there too. Any business premises could be targeted by thieves or vandals, so keeping your security updated is vital. Here are five ways you could implement better security for your business.
The best security puts criminals off in the first place
Rather than catching them in the act, the best security measures are those that make any would-be criminals decide that your place just isn’t worth the risk (or time).
Visual methods of deterring burglars could include any, or all, of the following:
- CCTV cameras
- Alarms
- Motion-activated lights
- Good outdoor lighting
- Security grilles, barsand fencing
- Security doors
Make sure you clearly advertise that you’re using CCTV cameras and alarms. As well as being a legal requirement related to data protection, it should put most criminals off trying to break in in the first place.
Install an efficient alarm system
Having a well-prepared alarm system is a great way to keep unwanted people out. Hopefully, the simple act of having an alarm will cause most criminals to move on. However, if anyone did decide to break in, an efficient alarm system should send them running out.
Here at Grays Locksmiths, we fit Visonic alarm systems – in our opinion, the best you can get.
Visonic alarm systems come with a whole range of optional extras, including:
- Outdoor motion detector
- Magnetic contact
- Indoor siren
- Additional outdoor siren
- Carbon monoxide, gas, smoke, flood and temperature detectors
Have advanced access key requirements
As mentioned above, making it difficult to access your business premises is the most efficient way to keep people out. Advanced access control systems are a big part of this.
Consider any of the following:
- Keypad entry systems
- Identity card entry systems
- Biometric entry systems (fingerprints or retina scans)
- Electronic door releases
- Magnetic locks
- And more (see the Access Control Systems page).
Traditionally, most doors were fitted with standard locks. These can easily be snapped or broken for quick access to a property. Instead, it’s worth considering installing an anti-snap lock – while this is still a standard lock, it’ll provide much more protection than a basic model.
Don’t leave cash on the premises
These days, most transactions occur through bank transfers and credit cards. Only 14.6% of UK transactions in 2019 were made in cash, representing a quick decline from 50% in 2000 as we steamroll towards a cashless society. Most businesses have encouraged customers to use contactless payments where possible throughout the pandemic.
Nevertheless, many people still depend on physical money, and you, as a business, might only accept cash to avoid the fees associated with electronic banking.
Leaving cash on-site is a tempting situation for any criminal. It’s a good idea to visit the bank to deposit any physical monies as often as possible.
Make it clear that no money is being kept on-site by placing a small but obvious sign somewhere visible from the outside.
If you have to leave cash within the building, consider installing a secure commercial safe to keep unwelcome hands off it.
Train up your staff
This is the most important step of all.
You might have the most advanced security system in the world, but if a staff member were to accidentally make a mistake, it could render it all useless. For example, someone could incorrectly set the alarm, switch off the CCTV cameras at the wrong time, leave a computer switched on or forget to lock the front door.
While perhaps being a perfectly innocent mistake, these could open your business up to criminals. Investing time and a little money into training your staff to avoid these potential issues could save you in the future.
How we can help
At Grays Locksmiths, we work with commercial clients to protect your business from criminals.
Follow any of the links throughout this article to read more about what we could do for you, including alarm and CCTV installation and fitting security doors, locks, grilles and safes.
If you’d like to learn more about the services we offer, feel free to contact us by dropping into our store in Nottingham or phoning us on 0115 942 2315.