Protect Your Business Against Multiple Threats with Flexible Security
The holiday season is upon us and, unfortunately, that generally means an increase in crime. However, you can protect yourself by being proactive and improving security at your business. One of the best ways to deal with holiday security is by making sure you protect yourself against multiple threats. Such as scams, shoplifting, robbery and smash and grab break-ins. Most crimes are different and there is no such thing as a “typical” crime. Being aware of the many possible crimes of opportunity is important. Just because a criminal smashed through your window last year, or because a neighboring business was broken into by breaking down a door, it doesn’t mean that the next crime will be the same as the last. If someone got away with shoplifting or scamming you, they will likely repeat the crimes.
Having a comprehensive and flexible security plan will help keep your business safe this holiday season. Here are some tips for doing just that.
Use Physical Security
Physical security gates place a barrier between your property and a criminal who wants to do harm. However, these tools aren’t just effective at stopping smash and grab robberies (though they certainly do); physical security gates are also incredibly useful inside a property. They can be used to protect small yet valuable items (such as electronics, alcohol, and medication), which reduces shoplifting as well as the amount of property lost during a robbery.
Mobile security gates can also be used to improve the flexibility of your security setup. For example, if you operate a warehouse, you can use mobile gates to protect garage doors, areas that contain valuable merchandise, and other sensitive areas. The gates can easily be moved and adjusted to adapt to your security needs, which often change throughout the day.
Mobile security gates are also incredibly effective in office buildings, shopping malls, airports, and other large commercial or public properties. These locations must adapt to different threats at different times and, since mobile gates can easily be moved or re-positioned, they’re a perfect tool for keeping these properties safe.
Use Video Surveillance
Although the video surveillance may not stop a crime, it will help provide information when needed to help authorities make an arrest. Also, it can help you to see the weaknesses in your security. Additional staff is also important to the busy holiday season. Screen and hire the right temporary staff, as internal theft is also a concern.
Examine Your Property Like a criminal would look for easy opportunities
When you’re planning your security set-up, look at your business as if you were a criminal trying to break in. What would you do to gain access? Look for areas that are not covered by cameras, Remember that criminals do not care about your property. They have no issue with smashing through doors, breaking windows, and destroying your assets if they can get what they want. Often they will scope out a retail store, looking for places where not covered by surveillance making ideal places to shoplift.
This is why physical security tools as well as video surveillance are so important. They place a barrier between your property and a criminal who wants to break in. They also deter criminals. Criminals knows that it is much more difficult to access a property that has security gates installed, so they often do not target locations with visible security bars or gates. They also know that disguises will help protect their identity, however they still leave unknown clues. When you’re looking at your property, think of what you can do to make your security tools obvious to criminals on the street. If your location is well-lit and has visible security gates, sticker under video surveillance for example, a criminal will be much less likely to attempt a crime. Look at your location and compare it to others in the area. Does it seem easier to break into your property? If it does, take steps to protect yourself.
Want some more helpful tips to improving the security of your business? Download our helpful guide to Improving Your Security Mindset.
