Burglary and vandalism are a retail store owner’s worst nightmare. Such criminal acts can be expensive to recover from and could put you under a huge amount of stress. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce the risk of being targeted. Here are just several security measures that could help to protect you from the threat of burglary or vandalism.
Install an alarm system
An alarm system will help to alert neighbours and authorities if there is a break-in. There are a variety of different alarm systems out there – some are triggered when a door is opened, some are triggered by broken glass and others are motion-sensing. Only by entering a code can these alarms be turned off. Many modern alarms are able to connect to your smartphone and alert you personally when an alarm is triggered.
Install CCTV
CCTV could help to catch footage of a criminal in the act. This could help you to get the justice you deserve in the event of a break-in, as well as providing evidence if you need to make an insurance claim. Often CCTV is effective simply as a deterrent – criminals are likely to spot a camera and think twice before targeting your store. Certain cameras can be linked up with alarms so that you can view live footage on your phone whenever you alarm is triggered and then make a call as to whether to contact the police.
Add security lighting
Most thieves and vandals strike at night when they have a greater chance of being undetected. Lighting can make it harder for these criminals to not get seen and as a result many will choose not to target you. A popular choice is motion sensing lighting as it saves energy by not being on all the time. Lighting could be placed indoors or outdoors.
Protect your storefront with shutters
Shutters can help to form a barrier over the entrance of your store. They’re commonly placed over shop windows to prevent the glass from being vandalised or broken into. There are companies that produce custom made roller shutters to help fit the dimensions of your shopfront. Shatterproof glass can be another option, allowing passers-by to see your window displays at night – however it is much more expensive.
Provide extra layers of security for valuables
In case someone does manage to break in, it could be worth having several extra layers of security beyond the entrance in order to safeguard valuables. Many companies will put cash in a safe at the end of the day as opposed to keeping it in the till. This till itself could be stored in an office which is locked by a separate lock/alarm for good measure. Valuable inventory such as jewellery could also be worth locking away in either a safe or a locked cabinet. As for valuable digital information on your computers, make sure that these machines are password locked and store back-up information on the cloud.
