How to secure your business

Access control is important to the security of your business.

Break-ins and theft are a significant source of losses for businesses every year. In Florida there are close to 400,000 property crimes reported annually. The first line of defense is to make it more difficult for intruders. This starts with the perimeter. If feasible install a high fence around the property with a gate. Make sure the property is well lit. The next step is to fortify the building. The easiest point of access is the windows. Make sure the window frames are strong and the glass is shatter resistant and equipped with glass break sensors.
 
To secure the inside of your business follow these steps:

• Ensure that all exterior doors are sturdy and that they close and lock properly.
• Train staff to make certain the doors are closed correctly at the end of the day.
• Valuable property and sensitive documents should be kept locked up. In case of a burglary, the more steps the intruder has to go through the more likely they are to give up on it or get caught.

 
Another method of securing your business is the installation of a security system. This should include CCTV and motion detectors. This will alert you to intruders and record unauthorized activity.  The cameras should be mounted inside and outside the building at strategic locations to avoid blind spots. Be sure that your security system is up to date as outdated systems can fail and cause a lot of false alarms.
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If you face persistent security issues, hiring onsite security may be a good option. It is a big investment so you should carefully consider if it is in your budget. The presence of a security guard is often a strong deterrent.  Most thieves are non-confrontational and will move on to an easier target. 

Take steps to keep your property safe in Florida.