Securing Your Business - Inside and Out

Crime and violence seem to be everywhere—on the nightly news, in the movies, on television programs, and maybe even at the business down the street from you. Despite this fact, you may think it will never find its way to your company. Unfortunately, crime is often random in occurrence, and there’s no way of knowing who will be the next victim. Regardless of the type of business you own, workplace security is essential. Fortunately, there are things you can do that may help make your business more resistant to crime.

Protection from the Inside

• Lights—Bright indoor lighting may enable the police or others in the area to notice suspicious activity that may be occurring inside. With this in mind, try not to allow window displays to block the view from the street.
• Strategic placement of goods—To prevent a burglar from working efficiently, position valuable products or money around the office (rather than all in one place), and keep them far away from exits.
• Alarm system—The best type of alarm is one that silently alerts the police station or a private security agency directly. However, even an on-site alarm that rings loudly can help scare off burglars or attract the attention of someone nearby.
• Card access system—With this system, employees are given cards that enable or restrict their access to various areas of the business. Card access—which is used mostly by large companies with many employees—may prevent break-ins after hours, as well as internal theft.
• Video surveillance—While cameras may not succeed in preventing a burglary, they may be useful in identifying and convicting criminals.

Protection on the Outside

• Quality doors and locks—Consider purchasing steel doors and deadbolt locks that resist kicking, drilling, and beating, which may hamper a criminal’s efforts.
• Smart landscaping—To help minimize and eliminate easy hiding spots for burglars, try not to surround your business with trees and shrubs.
• Lights—Make sure that lights illuminate each possible entrance to your building, including doors, windows, and large vents. Protect the lights with clean plastic coverings and connect them to an emergency power supply.
• Alarm decals—Even if you don’t have an alarm, a sticker with the name of an alarm company may trick a burglar into believing that you do.

All too often, it takes an actual burglary to encourage business owners to consider preventative measures. Ideally, improving workplace security should take place before you find yourself a victim of crime. In addition, consider increasing your protection by obtaining the proper crime insurance coverage. Take time to protect your business and get proper insurance coverage before a burglary occurs. For a review of the options available, please stop by or call us.

Risk Manager Online Vol. 15, No. 5 Copyright © 2007 Liberty Publishing, Inc.