12 Important security tips to protect your business premises during lockdown

With the vast majority of businesses having now shut their doors and many staff members working from home, security has become a top priority whilst premises are closed or have reduced staff.

Shoplifting accounts for 67% of all crime against businesses in the wholesale and retail industry. Furthermore, 18% of business premises across the UK fall victim to crime. With police forces anticipating this to rise during the lockdown, it is imperative now more than ever to ensure your security measures are up to date and effective in preventing theft, damage or harm.

In this period of uncertainty, it can be difficult to distinguish exactly what is needed for your business to ensure you return to a safe environment to work in.

Using recommended police advice, in this blog we cover 12 important security tips to help you mitigate the security risks for sites with staff and business premises where staff are now working remotely.

1. Maintain your physical security and procedures at all times

Although there’s a distinct lack of people on the streets, petty criminals still are looking for lapses in people’s security to take advantage of. In fact, it’s at times like this when a gentle reminder of the basics is important.

2. Consider changing the access control privileges

Access control systems also allow you to revoke and allow different access levels to different staff members, allowing only staff who are required to attend your business premises to have access. This can immediately reduce any potential theft risks.

3. A CCTV system can be a major deterrent against crime

CCTV cameras are a highly effective way of deterring theft, especially cameras that are capable of remote viewing or motion detecting. CCTV is associated with significant reductions in both vehicle crime and property crime in general, making it a quick and easy solution to avoiding theft and damage.

4. Consider robust security such as fogging devices

A fogging device is linked to panic buttons or alarms and emit steam in order to disorientate thieves or vandals. Ensure roller shutters over the doors or windows are properly installed, if you have high value items or have an office at ground level.

5. Use a safe to protect valuables

A commercial safe can be great for storing any valuable documentation or cash that might be lying around. Always choose a high grade safe that your insurance company approves of.

6. Thermal heat detection cameras can safeguard employees

Thermal imaging cameras are being considered by companies as a return-to-work strategy or a way to maintain productivity for critical personal. Thermal heat detection cameras can effectively scan and recognise faces, automatically detecting their temperature and creating an alert. This is particularly useful for warehouses and shop floors, where there are many workers who may still be coming in despite poor health. Ensuring you are aware about your staff’s health can help minimise the risk to other staff members being exposed to any potential virus in the future.

7. Motion sensor lights

Motion sensor lighting helps prevent burglaries and vandalism by making the intruder visible and startling them. If you have outside lights at your premises, ensure they are on all night or are motion sensor lights.

8. Build up layers of security

Physical security layers gives businesses the ability to deter, detect, delay, deny and defend at every layer of your commercial building, from locking any internal doors to securing valuable goods.

9. Ensure deliveries are not being left unattended

A build up of letters and deliveries are an obvious sign that our commercial premises are unoccupied on certain days. Track any deliveries so that you can collect them at the right time.

10. Complete an inventory stock check

Make sure all company assets and equipment are clearly marked with your company details. Contact your insurance company for specific steps on the requirements to insure any high value items.

11. Carry out a physical security check

Complete a thorough physical check that all doors and windows are locked, your CCTV is working, the alarm is set and that any other security measures you would normally take are checked.

12. Remove any items or waste that could be used to force entry

Don’t make it easy for criminals. Make sure you clear any waste stored outside your premises that could be used to cause damage or force entry.

Conclusion

The current situation is already proving to be a difficult time for businesses. Issues that may arise due to a security breach could further impact your business, so prevention is always better than cure. In some cases we witness, these security breaches could have been prevented had stronger measures been implemented.

By following these tips, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have done everything possible to strengthen your business security measures and protect your staff and premises.

For more information on how we can help secure your business, or for a free virtual site survey, contact us on 08448 002277 * or send us an email via info@abelalarm.co.uk for any inquiries you may have.

* Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge

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