For any business owner, protecting their commercial property from intruders should be a number one priority.Whether deliberate or otherwise, vandalism can undermine a company’s image immensely. Disaster strikes without notice and no building is immune to destruction; therefore you should take all precautions possible to effectively lower risks and in this way protect your assets. That said here are the top 15 ways to Safeguard your commercial property, thanks to the guys at kentlocksmith.net:
Padlocks and locks. Make sure you lock all outside entrances and inside security doors. Double cylinder deadbolts with removable collars are actually the safest locks. The deadbolts should contain hardened steel inserts protected by latch guards. The padlocks should be made of hardened steel mounted on the bolted hasps. Finally, hide the serial numbers in your locks to prevent duplication of new keys.
Doors. Your commercial property should have solidly constructed inside and outside doors.They should be lined using metal and have heavy metal crossbars. The door jambs must be solid as well. Ensure all exposed hinges are pinned so that they can’t be removed easily.
Windows.The windows should have secure locks. The glass ought to be subjected to burglar-resistant treatment. For further security, install polyester security films which must be accompanied by glass-break sensor alarms. Highly vulnerable windows such as those in the rear should have heavy metal grates.
Lights. Fix lights that offer maximum visibility both inside and outside. The outside lights should have vandal-proof covers over the light sources. Your entire perimeter should have enough lighting especially at the windows, doors and any other possible entry point.
The alarm system. Your commercial property’s alarm system should be supplied and installed by a licensed alarm company. Ensure the company must has a centralized monitoring station. What’s more, the alarm system should be checked daily to ensure that it’s always functioning properly.
Cash register. Keep the cash register in a position that’s invisible from outside the building . You must leave it open whenever it is empty or not being used so that it can be easily monitored.
Strongbox/safe. This must be fireproof and burglar-resistant. It must be visible and securely anchored. Always keep it open when it is empty and lock in valuables when closing the business. Change the safe’s combinations anytime you sack or release employees who have details regarding the strongbox or safe.
Building exterior.The building’s exterior should be checked thoroughly including the basement, walls and roof and all openings secured. Maintain good visibility by keeping landscaping, vehicle equipment, boxes, cans and trash bins away the building. Their presence might assist burglars by providing access to the rooftop.
Perimeter fences.They must be installed high enough to give intruders a hard time accessing your premises. A good perimeter fence must be vertically erected with 0.3cm vinyl coated vertical iron bars or chain links.
Key controls. All company keys have to be responsibly given out. All keys must be coded and kept secure when they aren’t being used. Lock the keys somewhere safe and don’t leave them lying around.
Use of CCTV. Though installing CCTV is quite expensive, it will prove worthwhile in the long run. CCTV surveillance systems prevent break-ins by deter robbers and at the same time they raise the chances of getting the robbers after break-ins.
Use of Anti-climb fences. If your business is sizable and needs a fence or wall around the perimeter, you should consider installing it such that it’s anti-climb.
Using Key-card access systems. Security in the workplace is paramount because it makes your customers and employees feel safe. Having key-card assess systems on your exterior doors ensures that only authorized personnel and employees access the premises.
Taking an Insurance cover. Carry out a thorough research so that you find the best insurance firm to protect the commercial property from unpredictable disasters be they fires or break-ins.
Risk assessment. Carry out an investigation so that make an evaluation on where you mostly require assistance. You may find out that your commercial property is located within a crime-prone area or that your fence is old and has to be taken down. Such items that easily overlooked.
Fires, break-ins, natural disasters etc remain a big concern for many firms. There are many options available to protect commercial properties but you should have all the necessary information about each before putting it in place. Meanwhile criminals are always looking for even more ingenious ways of robbing honest, hardworking business owners so keep yourself updated with newer methods of protecting your commercial property.