1. Locks and Padlocks ? Locks on all outside entrances and inside security doors should be double cylinder deadbolts with removable collars. The deadbolt should have at least one inch throw containing a hardened steel insert and protected by a latch guard. Padlocks should be of hardened steel, mounted on bolted hasps and always locked to prevent exchange. Serial numbers should be filed off to prevent new keys from being made.
2. Doors ? all outside and/or security doors should be of solid construction, metal lined and secured with heavy metal crossbars. Jams around doors must be solid. All exposed hinges should be pinned to prevent removal.
3. Windows ? should have secure locks. Burglar-resistant glass treatments are also recommended. An example would be the installation of polyester security film. However, this must be used together with the alarm's glass break sensor. Heavy metal grates may be used on windows of high vulnerability (such as rear windows). Check with your area Fire Code Inspector for safety requirements.
4. Lights ? must provide optimum visibility, both inside and out, with outside lights having vandal-proof covers over the lights and power sources. Your entire perimeter must be well lit, especially around doors and other possible entries.
5. Alarm System ? should be supplied and installed by a licensed alarm company with a central monitoring station. Check the alarm system on a daily basis, and advertise its presence to deter break-ins with the company's sticker or yard sign.
6. Cash Register ? should be kept in plain view from outside the building so it can be easily monitored and should be left open when empty and not in use.
7. Safe ? should be fire proof, burglar resistant, anchored securely and in plain view. Leave it open when it is empty, and use it to lock up valuables when business is closed. Change the combination whenever someone with access is released from your employment.
8. Building Exterior ? should be checked including the roof, basement, and walls. Secure all openings. Maintain good visibility by not allowing landscaping, boxes, trash bins, vehicles, or equipment near your building where they might provide concealment or access to the roof.
9. Perimeter Fences ? need to be adequate enough to keep intruders out, and at the same time allow good visibility of your business by neighbors and police. A good example of fencing would be vertical iron bar or 1/8 inch mesh vinyl coated chain link.
10. Key Control and ID Numbers ? keys should be handed out in responsible manner. A master key system where one key open all locks may be convenient, but it may not be the best for security. Code all keys, keep them securely locked when not in use, and do not allow employees to leave them lying around or make duplicates. Change locks whenever you suspect key security has been jeopardized. Marking equipment with ID numbers should be displayed to make this plainly evident to would-be thieves. Also, keeping a record of serial numbers on all equipment may help in recovery.
There's no one 'quick fix' for deterring thieves, but if certain precautions are taken, business owners will sleep soundly knowing they done what they can do 'show the love' for their property.
Michelle Annese is a 3rd degree black belt with 15+ years experience teaching industry specific self defense and safety for women and children. She is author of The Realtor Survival Guide, Protection for Women, and The SafeGuard System for Kids. For more information on how to protect yourself and your family go to http://www.michelleannese.com Check out other articles by Ms. Annese and get her free safety tips e-newsletter.
1. Locks and Padlocks ? Locks on all outside entrances... Read More
Proofreading may not be terribly fun, but it's one of... Read More
In building and runnng an independent private practice or small... Read More
Here are ten things that you can do to hold... Read More
What follows is a bold statement, but sometimes it takes... Read More
Hey, as hard as this may be for you to... Read More
Imagine if you were going to address a stadium full... Read More
Gas prices continue to go through the roof and increased... Read More
Many mistakes can be made in business and if you... Read More
Your business card is a valuable piece of real estate... Read More
You're busy with your business today, aren't you?You're pushing your... Read More
Viral Marketing is allowing people to giveaway and use your... Read More
Part Two of Cash to Cash Cycle SeriesNext: SalesWe've already... Read More
Are you not sure what Business to buy? Need to... Read More
Does your business have a money tree you can shake... Read More
Did you know that there is one critical difference between... Read More
Are you ready for a BASH? Have you ever been... Read More
1. Combine Emotion and LogicConsumers buy because the want to... Read More
Have you ever found yourself having to scramble to organize... Read More
We all are project managers. Some of us manage projects... Read More
Sometime soon you will be attending some training. It may... Read More
Every event you hold can be extremely successful. Apply these... Read More
Do your remember when you first ventured out in the... Read More
How do you increase business profits? Answer the following questions... Read More
1.) Brainstorming for an idea - You must select what... Read More
If you're a beginner, starting a website doesn't have to... Read More
Attraction marketing is about making a customer for life not... Read More
With today's technology and people's need for more information it... Read More
Clarity is an absolutely essential ingredient for you to achieve... Read More
Looking for a manufacturer or supplier of home furnishings in... Read More
Studies have proven that there is one reason why people... Read More
Here are some simple tips to help you improve your... Read More
How do you focus on your urgent e-mail and organize... Read More
Only one of every 5 businesses makes it to its... Read More
Many businesses lose money yearly because they don't think creatively... Read More
There are so many simple, yet really sure-fire ways of... Read More
What follows is a bold statement, but sometimes it takes... Read More
Web Site Blues? Need one, don't know where to start?... Read More
Having business partner or planning to start a business with... Read More
From an employee's perspective, management often conducts itself in ways... Read More
Here are a few ideas to get you started, all... Read More
Skilled workers of every age have prized their tools. I... Read More
Do you know exactly what actions you need to do... Read More
The following tips are from an article we contributed to... Read More
Please don't think I am calling you a "moron" to... Read More
1. Locks and Padlocks ? Locks on all outside entrances... Read More
Who doesn't have issues with organizing their inbox!? I receive... Read More
Business etiquette is essentially about building relationships with colleagues, clients... Read More
Not having a business card is as bad as using... Read More
Authors/publishers are great at getting their books written. Entrepreneurs know... Read More
We all are project managers. Some of us manage projects... Read More
There are lots of benefits for some businesses to import... Read More
How many of us have been in a position where... Read More
At Macquarie University in the early '90s, three Australian early... Read More
When sending mail to clients and potential clients, make your... Read More
Here are seven excellent ways to earn income from international... Read More
Looking for an old friend? Want to know if your... Read More
Ever lost a sale you thought was in the bag?... Read More
If you're a beginner, starting a website doesn't have to... Read More
Have you ever found yourself having to scramble to organize... Read More
So you have set up your company, fairly established and... Read More
Getting focused on what you want to achieve and creating... Read More
Hey, as hard as this may be for you to... Read More
mistake #1: rely just on financial statementsProfit and loss, revenue... Read More
Talking is the least important half of any conversation. Listening... Read More
You have seen their ads and you may have wondered... Read More
Top Quick Tips |