Most business owners focus more on online security breaches
such as hacking and data theft. However, physical threats can also pose a
significant risk to the safety of your brick-and-mortar business. And unlike
cybercrimes, physical threats have a more direct and immediate impact on
business operations.
Understanding types of physical threats can help business
owners protect their property, finances, and employees. Here are some common
physical security threats that plague business owners and how to prevent those
risks.
Burglaries and robberies are probably brick-and-mortar
businesses' most common physical security threats. The crime involves a
criminal breaking into the premises and stealing money, equipment, or other
valuable items.
To prevent burglaries, businesses must put up adequate
locks on doors and windows. Additionally, installing surveillance cameras
around the building can help deter potential thieves, as the robbers will be
less likely to target a business with visible security measures.
Burglary can happen in different forms. For example, the
criminals may smash and grab, whereby the burglars quickly break in, steal
whatever they can, and leave the premises as quickly as possible.
Another form of burglary is opportunistic, where the
burglars enter your building when they see an opportunity. For example, maybe
there's an open door or window in the building.
Sophisticated burglary, on the other hand, is when the
criminal takes the time to assess your premises and plan their actions
accordingly.
To protect your business from these types of burglaries,
use an alarm system, as it will alert authorities when the burglar strikes. You
can also install motion sensors that will detect any movements within the
premises and trigger the alarm. And leverage access control systems to prevent
opportunistic burglaries.
Vandalism involves deliberately damaging or defacing
property, which can occur in many forms, such as graffiti and destruction of
property.
The best way to prevent vandalism is to invest in
high-quality security lighting for your premises. This step helps deter
potential vandals and makes them less likely to target the business.
Additionally, invest in impact-resistant windows and doors, which are harder to
break.
Also, install surveillance cameras around the premises and make
sure they have a clear view of all areas of the building. This step can not
only help prevent vandalism but also serves as a deterrent for burglars and
robbers.
Tailgating involves an unauthorized person entering the
premises by following a legitimate visitor or employee who has gained access to
the building.
To prevent tailgating, use access control systems that
restrict how people enter and exit your building. These systems require
cardholders to obtain permission from the system before they can open doors and
gain entry into the premises. You can also install intercoms at entry points,
so visitors are required to tell staff their reason for entering.
Employee theft involves stealing cash, equipment, or other
valuable items from the business. Perhaps the most common form of employee
theft is "time theft," which refers to employees clocking in late or
leaving early without permission.
To prevent employee theft, implement a system that tracks
the time and attendance of your staff. You can also install surveillance
cameras in sensitive areas such as offices and storage rooms to deter potential
thieves.
Physical security threats are a real and present danger for
business owners. Invest in high-quality locks, surveillance cameras, alarms,
and access control systems to protect your premises from these risks. You
should also educate your employees on how to spot the signs of a potential
threat and what steps they can take to prevent it. Doing so will help create an
environment where everyone knows the dangers and takes precautions to protect
the business from physical security threats.
You can trust us at All Pro Security Services to help you
with all of your physical security needs. Our team of experts has years of
experience in this field and will be able to devise a custom security plan for
your business that meets your needs best. Contact us
today to
learn more about our services.
