Brick and mortar businesses can be the target of several types of crimes. If you have been the victim of a crime, or if you are worried about becoming one, you need to implement greater security measures. Let’s dig into some ways you can protect your business in the future from some of the most common threats.

Burglary

• Use a Better Security System: A lock and key isn’t going to cut it anymore. A security system deters roughly 60% of would-be burglars. Keep your business equipped with a burglar alarm system built to alert you to intruders with speed and efficiency.

• Add More Surveillance: A solid video surveillance system will ensure that you have a higher chance of catching thieves if you do suffer a break-in. (Bonus: They can also be very effective against shoplifters.)

Shoplifting

• Protect Your Most Valuable Items: Shoplifters are looking to take the highest priced item they can get away with stealing. Keep them away from your valuable goods by placing them behind locked metal or glass. You can also keep pricey merchandise behind the counter to lower your chances of being shoplifted even further.
• Introduce a Thorough Monitoring Protocol: Along with strong video surveillance, good employees are your best line of defense against shoplifters. Place an employee at each entrance to greet customers as they come and go. This initial connection with people entering your store alerts would-be shoplifters that you’re aware of them, which may deter them from attempting to steal.

In-House Theft

• Have an In-House Theft Strategy: Sadly, more than 30% of business bankruptcies are due to employee theft. Mitigate your risk by creating a thorough in-house theft strategy. This can include developing a more in-depth hiring process as well as video monitoring of cash registers and safes. It’s also a good idea to make sure that no single employee is left alone in any area of the store – especially at the register.
• Use an Access Control System: If you do experience employee theft, it’s helpful to know employee traffic patterns in order to figure out who is behind the theft. An access control system keeps an account of which employees enter and exit the building and at what time they do so. Without this system in place, it can be hard to identify which employees are the likeliest suspects, and which are definitely innocent.

Property Damage from a Break-In

• Bolt Down Your Shelving: Keep your establishment safer by making it harder to destroy your property. Bolting down fixtures and shelving stops them from being tipped over or thrown during a break-in. Though your business may still be broken into, bolting down your fixtures may result in less overall damage.
• Install Backup Communications: You need to have backup communications in place if you want to protect your business. If the alarm signal doesn’t trigger a response quickly, your store could suffer avoidable loss. Backup communications ensure that your alarm gets a signal out no matter what – something every business owner needs when their store is in a crisis situation.

NEXT STEPS:

• Contact us today to learn more about protecting your business.
• Learn more about what business security means to us.
• Subscribe to our blog to stay informed about the latest security news and insight.

Stay up to date on security topics such as home alarm systems, business security systems, video surveillance systems, IP video networks, remote video monitoring, fire alarm systems, and fire alarm inspection.