How to “Harden the Target” and Protect Your Business
One major advantage that physical security gates have over other types of security is that they serve as a strong visual deterrent. This means that criminals can see that they’re installed almost instantly, which will often scare them away. Criminals know how difficult and time consuming it is to break through physical gates, so they often avoid locations that have them installed.
Their visibility when locked into place is a major reason why security gates are more effective than window film. While window film can make it more difficult to gain access to a store, criminals don’t know that it’s in place until they’ve already made several attempts to break into your business. These attempts can cause serious damage. When you have security gates installed, criminals are much less likely to try.
Physical security also deters criminals when it is installed inside a business, such as a retail store. Security cages can be installed to protected valuables inside your store. This is commonly known as “product hardening.” This extra layer of security is accomplished by installing physical security in front of aisle, shelves, or cabinets that contain valuables.
The Advantages of Physical Security Inside a Property
There are several reasons why you would want to install physical security cages or gates inside your business. As mentioned, one major one is to deter criminals. When a criminal considers breaking into a property, they take a look at the location and formulate a “plan of attack.” If they realize that, not only do you have security gates on your doors and windows, but that you also have physical security inside your store, they’ll likely choose another target.
Criminals want to be in and out of a crime scene quickly. They know that the best chance they have is to break in, steal whatever they can get, and leave before the police arrive. If you have physical security at your property, you slow criminals down and drastically increase their chances of getting caught.
When criminals see physical security cages or gates protecting shelves or aisles inside your store, they know that it will be much more complicated and time-consuming to steal from this location, so they think twice about attempting the crime and often move on to another target.
Locking assets behind security gates is especially important for commonly stolen items. This includes alcohol, firearms, medication, car batteries, and other such products. Criminals frequently target these items because they can either be used in other crimes, sold easily on the black market, or both.
Physical security also prevents shoplifting. When your small yet valuable items are locked behind gates or cages, criminals cannot slide them into their bags or pockets. This keeps your property safe and secure.
Security gates also increase safety. Some items, such as tools or chemicals, can be dangerous if not used correctly. By placing these items behind secure gates, you make sure that only store staff who are trained to handle these items are allowed to access them.
Choosing Security Gates for your Retail Store
Xpanda tubular powder-coated security gates are easy to use, and they retract and swing 180 degrees when opened. This makes it easy to unlock the gates and access products when they are needed, while also keeping the aisles of your store clear.
You can even have your gates keyed alike (using either slam locks or mortise cylinder locks) so that locking or unlocking them is quick and easy. By installing physical security inside your property, you restrict access to high risk inventory that is frequently targeted by criminals.
