Important Police Tips for Business Security & Safety

Businesses face a wide variety of threats, including break-ins, vandalism, fraud and theft (both internal and external). Deploying the right layers of business security is essential for preventing these incidents and keeping the premises safe. However, for many businesses, it’s not always clear how to achieve this security.

In this blog post, we uncover several simple security recommendations from local police, including the Peel Regional Police Service, that can help make your business safer and more secure.

1) Assess your business’s exterior.

The outside of your store, office or commercial building may have several vulnerabilities that increase the risks of crime. Police recommend conducting a basic exterior assessment to identify potential risks, such as:

• Large objects or trees/shrubs that obstruct the view into and out of your business.
• Areas where thieves could hide near your doors or windows.
  Signs of trespassing or suspicious cars continually parked in poorly observed areas around the building.
• “Weapons of opportunity” near your windows or doors, such as loose rocks or construction debris.

2) Secure your business’s entry points.

This is especially important for offices that keep their doors unlocked for employees during the day. But it’s equally important for retail businesses that have accessible back doors, windows or receiving areas.

• Consider using access control systems that allow authorized entry with a code, key fob or smartphone.
• If an office must remain open for visitors, station a receptionist or other employee at the front desk.
• Never make it possible for strangers to pass the reception area unattended.

3) Install a security system with cameras.

A business security system is vital in every commercial environment. The mere presence of an alarm system and security cameras can greatly reduce the risk of crime by deterring thieves and vandals. Plus, if there is a break-in or authorized disturbance that triggers the alarm, authorities will be promptly dispatched.

• Install cameras at all entry points and key operational areas, such as cash registers, stockrooms, delivery areas, etc. Remember that business theft often occurs internally too.
• Your alarm system can be configured to detect unauthorized activity with door & window contacts, motion-detection sensors, zoned partitions and other tools.

4) Prevent retail theft.

If you operate a shop, there are several things you can do to lower your risk of retail theft. Police advise the following preventative strategies:

• Increase staff levels during peak times so that criminal activity doesn’t go unseen.
• Make sure sales counter staff have a direct and unobstructed view of the front door and windows.
• Do not place valuable items in front window displays, which are vulnerable to “smash and grab” theft. Instead, keep valuables out of reach and/or in locked display counters.

5) Educate sales staff.

In retail environments, there are several simple things that employees can do to detect and deter would-be thieves – without compromising their own security:

• Greet each customer who enters the store and make contact.
• Be aware of large coats, oversized purses or bags that could be used to conceal items.
• Train employees to be on the floor at all times while customers browse the store. This is a hallmark of good customer service, as well as an effective security strategy!

Remember: employee safety is paramount. Instruct staff that they should never chase after a thief or attempt a physical altercation. If they detect any suspicious activity, they should call police and/or activate their security alarms.

Request a no-obligation business security audit

Is your business as secure as it should be? Request a no-obligation security audit from PROTECTION PLUS and our experts will conduct an in-depth assessment of your business to identify security vulnerabilities and solutions.