Four Safeguards to Deter Office Robberies

6 years ago | Posted in: Business | 922 Views

Someone breaking into your office can mean costly delays and indefinite shutdown of your business. You’ll have to replace all the equipment and supplies lost during the robbery, reassure security amongst your workforce, and regain the trust of your client base. When the dust settles, this could reveal thousands of dollars in damages and a significant amount of time and manpower exhausted. Fortunately, preventing office robberies is as easy as integrating these four safeguards:

Install Outdoor Surveillance

Nothing scares delinquents better than outdoor cameras protruding at every corner of your commercial building. Today’s fleet of surveillance technology are outfitted with better security features including the ability to turn 360 degrees and the ability to contact local law enforcement automatically once alarms are triggered. Keep in mind, however, that not all surveillance cameras are made equal, with some being more effective deterrents than others. When shopping for an outdoor camera, figure out specifics, such as size, price, image quality, ability to record, ability to notify you in the event of a break-in, etc.

Fortify Your Doors

A solid lock can discourage timid thieves and at least make determined ones work longer. The more time they need to get in, the more time they are exposed to cars and people passing by. Security experts suggest using a pin-cylinder lock as it is the most difficult type to pick. Furthermore, the lock should have a deadbolt system wherein a key or knob is required to lock and unlock it. These locks can’t be picked by sneaking in a piece of celluloid between the door and wall. Install bars on your building’s backdoors, which tends to be a common entry point for burglars. You can also install bars on your windows, skylights, and other potential entry points to minimize risk of a break-in.

Be Low-Key

Parading your most valuable assets, such as company vehicles, inventory, and equipment, around your property achieves nothing but invite crooks to your doorstep. Maintain a low-key appearance by keeping all your office’s tangible assets indoors and using curtains to hide the items from outside view. Being discrete is perhaps the simplest way to deter office robberies. Don’t advertise your office’s possessions on social media or to people who are simply touring the grounds or calling to inquire. Keep it on a need-to-know basis. Make sure your employees adopt the same principle. They should leave their personal belongings including bags, jewelries, and electronics out of sight and in their desk drawers.

Be One With Your Neighborhood

It makes it easier to sleep at night and not worry about your business being stripped to the very last office chair if you know who your neighbors are. Strike positive relationships with your neighbors, whether they are residential property owners or fellow business owners. Take additional precautions by educating yourself about the crime statistics in your neighborhood. Check the crime column on your local paper for any alarming increases in robbed businesses or homes. Moreover, most if not all local police stations, especially in metropolitan areas, have crime maps that accurately indicate reported cases that were called in around your area. The maps are free of charge and can be downloaded online.

Final Thoughts

Preventing unauthorized personnel from breaking in and stealing your assets isn’t rocket science. All one really needs is the intention and deliberate effort to make their workplace much safer. As the business’ owner, you are in the best position to affect change. Use the four safeguards above as a starting point, but keep in mind that there are more ways to increase your office’s security including replacing door locks and windows on a regular basis and training your employees to be alert with their surroundings.

 

Author Bio:  Jeremy is a tech and business writer from Simi Valley, CA. He’s worked for Adobe, Google, and himself. He lives for success stories, and hopes to be one someday.

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