Winter Security

Now that the days are getting shorter and darker and the nights are getting longer, it’s important that you adapt your security set-up to meet these changes. Many people don’t think of the importance of adjusting your security with the seasons, but doing so is very important. There are a lot of differences between the winter and the summer that you’ll want to keep in mind.

There is Less Daylight

This is a big one. With less daylight, there is more darkness for criminals to work under. Criminals obviously do not want to get caught in the act and, therefore, they prefer to commit crimes when it’s dark. In order to counter this activity, install appropriate lighting at your location in order to better illuminate it.

In addition, less light means that certain security cameras may not be as effective. A lot of cameras need appropriate lighting in order to capture detailed images. Installing additional lighting could help this situation.

There are Fewer People on the Streets

As mentioned, criminals like conditions where they are less likely to be caught in the act. This means that they would much rather strike when there are fewer people around. During the winter months, it’s often cold and dark. This means that fewer people choose to walk the streets and those who decide to often quickly rush to their destination. This makes winter a prime time for crime.

Adding visual deterrents decreases the chances of a break-in. Security gates let criminals know that it will be significantly more difficult to break into your property. In the majority of cases, they won’t want to risk getting caught in the act and will simply move on to another location.

Security gates act as a deterrent when your business is closed, but they can easily be folded or rolled out of the way during business hours so that they don’t detract from the overall look of your business.

Winter Weather Creates Hazards

During the winter months, snow can build up and make it difficult to see clearly. Not that thieves enjoy cold winters but piles of snow provide criminals with places to hide. Plus, blowing snow often reduces overall visibility. Some criminals take advantage of these situations to cause crime. They use the environment to camouflage their crimes.

Be sure to always clear snow away from your property, making it harder for criminals to hide. When combined with additional lighting and security gates, this will greatly improve security.

Secure your Tools

You may not think about securing your snow shovel during the winter. You might even leave a shovel or a broom outside your store to make it easier and more convenient to clear your property. However, it’s important that you secure these tools.

Locking these tools up doesn’t just protect them from theft, but it also prevents criminals from using these items as weapons. Smash and grab criminals often use whatever they can find in order to break through windows or doors. Shovels and brooms are perfect for these crimes. Placing them in an accessible location just encourages criminals to break in. Lock them up and protect yourself and your retail store.

If you need help selecting a gate, please feel free to contact a member of our team. We’ll be more than happy to help you out in any way we can.

DOWNLOAD our 10 Critical points for securing your shop.