It's more important than ever to invest in security for your business now that we're approaching the winter months.
Crime is naturally on the rise now that the nights are drawing in and this year we've got local lockdowns added to the mix - meaning your business could be left vacant for a period of time if you're asked to work from home.
We’ve compiled a checklist for you to follow and keep your premises safe in your absence.
Just remember VALID.
Valuables
Lock away any items that could be stolen, used as a climbing aide or targeted for arson. Use a safe with the correct security and insurance accreditations, bolted to the floor, and in a secluded location.
Additionally, you can’t steal what you can’t see, so using fogging systems which are triggered upon an alarm being activated have a track record of deterring criminals.
Alarm & CCTV
Alarm and CCTV systems are one of the best deterrents for crime. Choosing a monitored alarm system means police and/or the local authority will be alerted immediately about an illegal entry.
Whichever alarm or CCTV system you choose, make sure it’s accredited by either the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB). This will ensure the system is of the highest quality and correctly installed.
Some CCTV systems can now connect to an app on your phone, making it even easier to keep an eye on your building whilst working from home. According to police, some intruders are becoming complacent about the presence of CCTV cameras because they assume nobody’s watching. They’ll think again once you speak to them directly through the app and let them know that you are indeed watching!
Lighting
A well-lit property combined with a CCTV system is known to put criminals off because it’s easier for police to identify them. If you are investing in lighting, avoid using bollard-mounted lights because they’re prone to vandalism and don’t sufficiently illuminate the face of any potential intruder. Instead, police recommend BS5489- 2013 for public spaces.
Related:
- Commercial alarm systems: What YOUR business needs to stay secure
- Commercial security during the dark winter nights
- 6 reasons why CCTV protects your business
Illusions
Using a timer switch on lights can create the illusion of occupancy. Pairing this with monitored CCTV is far cheaper than employing a security guard in the long-run.
Design
Think about how you can work with neighbouring businesses to design the space around your buildings and make them less vulnerable to crime.
Parking vehicles close to or in front of entrances is one way of achieving this, so if you or a neighbouring business has access to heavy-duty vehicles, think about how you can utilise them.
It’s always worth paying extra attention to buildings near the boundary of a premises which are naturally more vulnerable. We recommend investing in a gate and locking mechanism to help keep unwanted visitors out. We advise choosing a security-rated gate with a minimum height of 2.1 metres to stop somebody climbing over it.
Remember - however you treat the space around your business premises, make sure it’s safe and legal to do so and complies with fire regulations.
As key workers, Justice Fire and Security are still operating, and staff are working remotely. All engineers attending your site are compliant with the latest guidelines on coronavirus.
of Shropshire,
Staffordshire and Warwickshire,
covering Birmingham, Coventry,
Stoke and Tamworth and elsewhere. In the East Midlands, we work across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.
Our South East region handles projects throughout Buckinghamshire,
Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire, whilst our office in the south west offices covers Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.
We also have a big presence in the North West from our base in
If you have any concerns regarding your current commercial or home security arrangements or your existing provider, please call one of our local offices or our main number on 0845 468 0927
