How To Increase The Security of Your Business (On a Budget)

Posted on Friday, July 21st, 2023 | 498 views

If you’re starting to think about increasing security at your business, this article explains the basic steps to take to ensure your business and property are secured. Setting up business security is not as expensive as people think, and it gives you a lot of benefits including cost saving, personal safety, asset and data protection, and intellectual property protection.

Commercial security also provides security in the following areas:

• safeguards your employees
• reduces insurance costs
• assists law enforcement
• deters possible intruders
• enhances your business operations
• gives you peace of mind

Steps to Establishing Proper Security for Your Commercial Space

Lock Away Expensive Items

When a business stores expensive items on their premises, they become high-value targets to thieves or robbers. If you lock away expensive products and equipment you’ll reduce the risk of theft and financial loss it sends a clear message that your business takes security seriously.

Here is how to properly handle storing expensive items within your business establishment:

1. Protect your valuables by using a commercial-grade safe that is fireproof, waterproof, and burglar-resistant.
2. Showcase expensive items using a locking display case that is tamper-resistant.
3. Limit access to areas where valuable items are stored.
4. Regularly audit your valuable items.
5. Use high-security locks and ensure doors leading to storage areas can resist forced entry.
6. Have a system in place for tracking who has keys to your storage areas.
7. Using smart locks that allow you to remotely control access and monitor usage.
8. Use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to track your expensive items.
9. Ensure alarms cover all entry points in areas valuable items are stored.
10. Regularly change your lock codes or rekey them.
11. Hire security personnel to physically monitor the area.

Install Security Alarms with 24/7 Monitoring

Installing 24/7 alarm monitoring is just common sense for a business owner, because it guarantees that a security breach will be dealt with promptly by law enforcement. It gives you an unmatched level of peace of mind.

Here are pertinent areas and ways to enhance business security with 24/7 alarms:

1. Identify the areas that need monitoring.
2. Look for providers who offer 24/7 monitoring services.
3. Install alarms at all points of entry.
4. Ensure the alarm system is connected to a monitoring service.
5. Ensure that your alarms are functioning properly by testing them on a regular basis.
6. Make sure all your employees understand how the alarm system works.
7. Install backup power.
8. Consider silent alarms.
9. Keep your security provider contact information handy.
10. Regularly update your alarm system and ensure that it remains effective.
11. Set up a maintenance schedule to ensure the security system is working properly.

Install Security Cameras

Security cameras are an exciting way to enhance business security because they produce results almost immediately. If your business is susceptible to theft and/or other forms of illicit behaviour, cameras change the rules overnight.

These are ways to properly optimize the use of security cameras to increase the security of your business:

1. Identify key areas for surveillance.
2. Select appropriate cameras depending on your specific needs.
3. Consider the right resolution which is important when identifying faces or other details.
4. Choose between wired and wireless cameras.
5. Install cameras at optimal locations.
6. Ensure there is proper lighting.
7. Protect your cameras with protective casings.
8. Connect cameras to a recording device with offsite or cloud backup.
9. Regularly check and maintain cameras so they function properly.
10. Train staff on how to use the system and how to access footage.
11. Use visible cameras as a deterrent to potential criminals.

Install Security Mirrors

Security mirrors are quite helpful and prevent a lot of theft and property damage. They’re particularly good for retail or warehouse type environments and let staff and security personnel monitor areas that are otherwise hidden.

These are ways to use security mirrors to your greatest advantage if you’re a business:

1. Identify blind spots that hide intruders or illicit activities.
2. Choose the right mirror depending on the location and the size of the area.
3. Decide on mirror size based on your establishment’s specific needs.
4. Determine optimal placement of mirror to reflect the blind spot in regular line of sight.
5. Install mirrors where they can be easily seen.
6. Use multiple mirrors if necessary to cover all blind spots.
7. Regularly clean and maintain mirrors.
8. Train your staff to understand and use the mirrors.
9. Review mirror placement regularly to ensure they still cover all necessary areas.
10. Combine mirrors with a larger security strategy including cameras and alarms.

Have a Strong Backdoor

You have to make sure you have a strong backdoor if you have a business – especially a commercial or retail business. The backdoor is often a target for burglars because it’s usually out of sight.

These steps can help ensure that your backdoor is as secure as possible:

1. Install a door that uses solid, metal materials and can resist forced entry.
2. Install a high-quality deadbolt locks, smart locks, or high-security cylinder locks.
3. Install a reinforced door frame.
4. Secure door hinges with security pins to prevent removal.
5. Install a peephole or a security viewer to see outside without opening the door.
6. Make sure the door has few, if any, windows.
7. Limit the number of keys to trusted employees.
8. Make sure it’s connected to your alarm system.
9. Use security lighting to deter intruders and make activity more visible.
10. Install security cameras to cover the backdoor and the area around it.
11. Regularly maintain and inspect the backdoor for signs of damage or tampering.
12. Use access control systems like cards, a pin, or biometric information to open the door.

Start Taking These Important Security Measures

It’s easy to get started with properly securing your business. First talk to a local security solutions firm near you and have them do a site visit to assess your current situation. If you live in Brantford Ontario or the Greater GTA, call Millennium Security Services for all your home and business security needs.