If you have just opened up your own small business, you are most likely concerned about its safety when you leave for the day. A business is always vulnerable to theft when there is not someone available 24 hours a day to watch over it, but there are a few ways you can minimize the risk of a security breach. Here are a few security steps you can take around your business to help in keeping potential thieves out of your establishment.
Select The Proper Locks
One way to deter thieves is by having a lock installed that cannot be opened from the inside unless you have a key to do so. Many robberies occur when a door is next to a glass window that can be broken. The thief will slide their arm through the opening and unlock the door from the interior. Using a double-cylinder lock will help keep the thief from going any further.
Another way to keep thieves out is by increasing the length of the screws you use to hold your lock switch plate in place. When a thief tries kicking open a door, the length of the screws can help keep your door in tact. Consider using keyless entry doors to keep thieves from picking locks. Without a coded card, the thief would be stuck on the outside of the door. Consult with a locksmith to determine which type of lock or locks will be most effective.
Increase Your Lighting
Having one or two lights on in your establishment can help keep robberies from occurring, as the thief may think someone is inside. They may also be afraid someone from the outside might see them in the illumination as they try getting inside. Robbers head for businesses that are kept dark as there is more of a chance in being successfully unseen. Place lighting so it will be pointed toward each doorway outside, making these areas visible from those on the street. Motion detectors can also help in thwarting a robbery in progress.
Use Some Signs
Place a few signs outside of your establishment to warn crooks that you have security measures in place. Using an alarm system sign will scare off robberies from happening even if you do not use a security system. The same is true for a "Beware Of Dog" sign. If a robber thinks you have a guard dog on site, they will not be so quick to try getting inside.
Increase Police Presence
A simple call to your local police station can increase the presence around your shop if you suspect someone may be trying to get inside. Let the police know you would like them to patrol around your area as you become established in the area. They will most likely listen to your concerns and ramp up the number of times they drive by during night-time hours if you are concerned for your business' safety.
Keep Things Spontaneous
If you are worried about theft, change the lighting you use each night so it appears different each time someone passes by. Use timers to change the scheduling of which light comes on, so potential thieves think someone is inside. Go to your business during off hours several times a week, at different hours each time. This will keep perpetrators who may be watching your business from knowing when someone will be on the premises or not, making your business less desirable as a target.
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