How to Secure Your Commercial Property

Commercial properties are often the target for burglary, so it’s particularly important to protect your business and property. There are a number of ways to do this, but most companies prefer to use multiple options to increase security overall. Let’s take a closer look at what steps you can take to keep security high.



Analyse the Threat

Before anything else, you should determine exactly what the threat to your area is. This will include looking at crime in the area, what types of security other commercial properties around you have, and what you need to protect. You can also inspect your building and determine where the weak points are, as this helps with determining where to focus your efforts.

Invest in Quality Locks

All doors and windows should be locked, of course, but the quality of the lock is also important. Some cheap locks are too easy to get past, so take the time to research the best locks in your area. Keypads or door entry systems are a better choice than regular keyed locks, but there are plenty of options available to you.

You’ll also want to inspect your locks on a regular basis. If anyone has tampered with them, you should be aware of this so you can take additional protective measures. Just take a walk around from time to time and check them out. You should do this on the outside of the building.

Illuminate the Building

A well-lit property is a major deterrent to burglars. They prefer dark areas to move around in, so if you have floodlights outside and illuminate the areas where a person might try to get into the building, it can actually protect the space quite well.

To keep costs down, you may prefer to use solar lights, but either way, it’s a good idea to opt for lights that come on automatically at dusk. You’ll never forget to turn them on and the auto lights will make it more difficult for anyone to determine if there’s someone in the building or not.

Put in a Good Security System

One of the basic ways to protect your business is to add a good quality security and alarm system. Don’t skimp on this, since it really does matter how high quality it is. While you don’t need to spend loads of money, it is worth it to research and check out your options before you make a final decision.

A security system should include the following:

Backup power: If the electricity goes out or if someone cuts the lines, it’s important the security system still operates. A backup power source offers extra protection.

Monitoring: At the very least, you should receive a notification if your alarm is triggered. However, for extra security, you can have an alarm that is monitored by a security team. This means they’ll actually check-in if the alarm is triggered and send the authorities if need be.

Simple entry: You should not have to go to university to figure out how to use your alarm system, so look for one that is simple enough to manage.

Remotely accessible: Ideally, you should be able to connect with your alarm system from afar, via mobile or your computer. This allows you to check in on your property at any time of day or night, no matter where you are.

Professional maintenance: You should always purchase your security system from a company that will install it for you. This is very important to ensure it’s done well, but they should also offer maintenance if something isn’t working. You may want to test the system from time to time, to ensure it’s working well.

With these features, your security should be of excellent quality. Even if a burglar does try to get in, you’ll either deter them with the alarm or catch them quickly due to the rapid response of your security system.

Add Cameras to Your Security System

CCTV cameras give you an extra layer of protection. Not only will they protect your business when you’re not there, but you can watch for shoplifters or employees who may be less than honest. Cameras should be mounted indoors and out, according to the most strategic points suggested by the alarm company. You want to see what is happening, but without spending a fortune on cameras.

Cameras will be one of the main methods of seeing what happens if there is a burglary. This is evidence that the police can use to identify the person or persons entering the property, but it also alerts you if someone is simply prowling.

Install Security Grilles or Shutters

Do you have a property that people could easily get into? A simple way to protect your shopfront is to add security grilles or shutters. These can roll or fold out of the way when you are open, but they make it that much harder for anyone to get into the building when they’re in place.

Made of metal, these security barriers prevent people from reaching the glass of the shopfront. If your commercial building is in an area where you need additional security, this is something you really want to invest in.

Add a Perimeter

If you have a standalone commercial building, consider adding security around the edges of the property. This may include fencing (which can be useful, but definitely has a forbidding look for customers) but can also be cameras or other types of security. Don’t forget that your security measures should begin at the edges of the property, long before anyone actually reaches the building.

Track All Access

Spare keys are useful when you can’t get to the office and need someone else to open up, but they can also be quite dangerous. If a key is lost, left somewhere, or stolen, it’s very possible someone could use it for nefarious purposes.

Whenever an employee leaves, be sure to have them turn in their keys. You can maintain a log to ensure you have all the keys and key cards that were given out. If you use keypads and door entries, you’ll need to change the code each time someone leaves your employ. This ensures no one will use their knowledge to burglarise the building.

Visit Your Business Frequently

Even during vacations or when your business is shut down for whatever reason, you should visit the building frequently. The fact that someone is there every day will discourage people from lurking about. Empty buildings are far better to target, since they won’t have anyone to respond immediately to an emergency.

Train Your Employees

Unfortunately, burglaries and other incidents don’t just occur during the hours when your business is closed. Your employees should be trained to understand how to manage an incident that occurs during work hours. For example, do you have policies in place for handling a shoplifting incident? What steps do your staff need to follow in order for this to reach a peaceful conclusion?

Keep in mind that sometimes employees are also the problem. You should be sure to train them well, but also keep an eye on their behaviour. If you notice that a staff member is acting suspicious, it is worth it to follow up with them and check the cameras. Be aware that the threat may not come from the outside.

Set Up Response Plans

In the event of a burglary, you need to have a clear plan of action. This should be available to everyone who needs to know within the company, including top-level employees who may have to deal with the issue if you are not available. This should include:

-      What steps to take when the alarm goes off or an intruder is noticed

-      Which authorities are to be notified

-      Who else should be notified immediately

-      What steps employees should take in specific instances (ie. an armed robbery)

By having a clear plan, you’ll be able to eliminate valuable moments of indecision, since everything is already laid out clearly.

With proper care and attention to detail, you can keep your commercial space protected and ensure your business is as safe as possible. While it’s impossible to plan for every eventuality and a determined burglar will get through most types of security, you can slow them down, identify them, and collect evidence for their arrest and trial.

Are you looking for a better way to secure your commercial property? Shuretech has what you’re looking for. Contact us today to learn more about our security measures.