Business Security

Years ago, some people lived and worked in large castles surrounded by moats filled with water. The castles were built with high walls made of stone, and a drawbridge to help prevent unwanted access. They had watch towers with armed guards around the clock. While we do not have the luxury of moats, high walls, a drawbridge, or armed security, there are many options available to us to help ward off a criminal attack.

You may have noticed, the above-mentioned castles had their security layered: first you had to cross the moat, then you had to climb a wall, then you had to battle the guards. Similarly, a layered security system is available Antiques Store to us today. Consisting of solid doors, alarms, and other features, this layered security system causes a criminal to battle his two most deadly enemies, time and attention. The more time a criminal takes, the greater his chance of either getting caught, or just giving up his effort altogether.

Here is a list of preventative steps you can take to make your business a little more secure:

Layer #1 (General)

Start a business watch. Report suspicious activity in the area to the police.
Get to know the businesses and their employees near you. Make sure that they know you and your employees too.
Replace door locks when an employee with assigned keys leaves employment, even if he/she leaves on good terms. Change the alarm code also.
Do not attach the business name or address to your keys.

Layer #2 (Exterior)

Make sure dark areas and entryways are well lit and and can been seen from the street.
Do not allow shrubs to hide doors or windows, providing concealment for burglars. You can plant rosebushes or other prick er bushes in front of easily accessible windows/entryways.
Street numbers should be clearly marked on the building or on the front door.
Place a sign in the front of the business and on the doors and windows indicating the presence of an alarm system, even if you do not have an alarm system.
Use burglar-resistant glass and install window stops to keep them from opening to the point where a person can slip through.
Make sure exterior doors are of solid construction.
Make sure each exterior door locks securely.
Keep in mind that most back doors are out of view from the street.
Enhance the locks on sliding glass doors by placing a dowel in the track. Make sure the dowel is no more than one-quarter inch shorter than the track.
Never tell an alarm salesman that you are not interested in owning an alarm. Instead, tell him that you already have one.

Layer #3 (Interior)

Get an alarm system with motion sensors, cameras, and a time-lapse recorder. Have the alarm monitored by an alarm company (who will notify the police on activation) and also emit an audible signal that your neighbors will hear.
Do tint windows or place items against them that would obstruct a view of the interior of the business from outside.
At night, when unoccupied, be sure to leave some interior lights on so that police can see inside easily.
Keep a list of all your equipment and their make model and serial numbers.
Shred all sensitive documents when discarding them.
Keep all isles free and clear of obstructions. Be sure that the entire interior is visible to all employees.
Keep customers out of stockrooms and other areas by keeping store room doors locked.
Install a drop-safe and limit the amount of cash kept in registers.
At night, clear all cash out of cash drawers and leave the empty drawers open.

If you suspect that a burglary has occurred, call 911 immediately! Use a cell phone or a phone at a nearby business. DO NOT go inside, the burglar could still be in there.

If you encounter a robbery in progress:

Don't try to be a hero. Most merchandise and cash is insured.
Get a good description of the suspect(s) and vehicle(s).
As soon as you can call 911. Do not call the owner/manager until you have called the police.

REMEMBER - YOUR SAFETY COMES FIRST!!!

Garden City offers city businesses a free security survey. Please contact us today for your free business security evaluation.