The clocks have gone forward, the weather’s improving, and you’re probably thinking about giving various parts of your business a bit of attention after the winter.
But when did you last give your security a proper look?
For most business owners, the honest answer is ‘can’t remember’. Security tends to get ignored until something goes wrong, like a lock that finally gives up, a shutter that won’t close properly, or worse, a break-in that could have been prevented.
Spring is the perfect time to get ahead of all that, before the warmer months bring longer trading hours and, unfortunately, more opportunistic crime.
At Grays Locksmiths, we help Nottingham businesses assess and improve their security all year round. Here’s what we’d suggest checking while the new season gives you a natural reason to take stock.
What winter does to your commercial security
Winter is harder on your locks, doors and shutters than you might realise. Freezing temperatures cause the metal components to contract, ice works its way into the mechanisms, and persistent damp accelerates corrosion in ways that aren’t always obvious until the damage is already done.
These problems tend to develop gradually. A lock that’s become a bit stiff. A shutter that takes slightly longer to close than it used to, a handle that’s started to rattle. These things are easy to dismiss when you’re busy. But by the time spring arrives, what started as minor wear can be a genuine security weakness. Your premises might look secure, while being far easier to compromise than you’d want.
Locks and door hardware: what to look for
Take a few minutes to work your way around every external door on your premises and pay attention to how everything feels and functions, not just whether it works.
Locks that are stiff or require the door to be lifted slightly to engage are telling you something. Cylinders that feel loose in the door, handles that have developed movement they didn’t use to have, and strike plates that have shifted away from the bolt are all worth taking seriously. A lock that doesn’t engage cleanly isn’t doing its job properly, regardless of how good it looked when it was first fitted.
It’s also worth checking whether your locks still meet BS3621 requirements, particularly if your premises have changed hands, had any building work done, or if the locks are showing their age. Many insurance policies require compliant locks as a condition of cover. A lock that’s degraded over time might not meet that standard even if it did when it was installed. If a claim ever arose and your locks were found to be non-compliant, your insurer could refuse to pay out, which is a very expensive lesson to learn.
Roller shutters and security grilles
Your roller shutters work hard every single day, and winter puts them under extra strain. Motors, springs and locking mechanisms all take a battering from cold temperatures and damp conditions, and the effects aren’t always immediately visible.
Listen for unusual noises during operation, like grinding, rattling or anything that sounds different to normal. Watch for shutters that seem slower than they used to be, don’t sit flush when closed, or show visible signs of corrosion on the curtain or housing. Any of these could indicate wear that’s worth addressing before it fails.
It’s also worth remembering that powered roller shutters come with legal maintenance obligations under the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. These require you to maintain your shutters in an efficient state and to regularly test their safety systems, with detailed records kept as evidence of compliance. If your maintenance logs have any gaps in them, now’s a good time to sort that out. An emergency repair or full replacement costs significantly more than a routine service, and that’s before you factor in any compliance issues.
Access control and key management
How many people currently have keys or access codes to your premises?
Staff changes throughout the year, leavers, new starters and contractors who came and went, mean the answer is often more than you’d expect or be comfortable with. A spring check-up is a good opportunity to audit this and think about whether your current arrangements still reflect who needs access.
If you’ve had significant staff turnover, re-keying your locks or upgrading to a restricted key system is well worth considering. Restricted keys can’t be copied without authorisation, which gives you control over access rather than just hoping former keyholders have done the right thing. For businesses with more complex access requirements, master key systems and digital access control offer even greater flexibility and security. We’re happy to talk through the options and help you find the right fit for your business.
External lighting and visible deterrents
With lighter evenings returning, it’s worth adjusting your lighting timers if you haven’t already. The window when your premises are in darkness has shifted, and lighting that was correctly set for a December evening may not be doing what you need it to do in April.
Winter weather can also knock sensors out of position or damage external fittings. It’s worth a physical check to make sure everything is pointing where it should be and functioning as expected. Visible, working security measures deter opportunistic criminals, and a motion sensor light that’s been left pointing at a wall since a storm in February isn’t earning its keep.
If you spot any gaps in your external security lighting while you’re checking, it’s worth addressing them now rather than waiting for a problem to highlight them for you.
How Grays Locksmiths can help
We work with Nottingham businesses across all sectors, from small independent retailers to larger commercial operations, helping them keep their premises secure and their security compliant.
Our commercial services cover everything from lock fitting and replacement to roller shutter servicing, access control, key cutting and emergency response. As Master Locksmiths Association members, every job we do is backed by proper qualifications, vetted engineers and a genuine commitment to getting things right.
If you’d like to book a spring security assessment or have any concerns about your current setup, give us a call on 0115 942 2315. We’ll take an honest look at what you’ve got, tell you what’s working well and what isn’t, and help you put together a practical plan for anything that needs attention.