Making the decision to have a commercial security system installed in your business is a considerable undertaking.
We might sound like turkeys voting for Christmas when we say it would be wonderful if nobody had to bother about security, because everybody was as honest as the day is long and nothing needed protecting. If they were, then we wouldn’t have been in business for the past 30 years.
But, unfortunately, commercial alarm and surveillance systems are an absolute necessity in this day and age.
Nine times out of ten, however, protecting your business premises isn’t as simple as having a home burglar alarm installed – not least because of the sheer size and layout of the building, or buildings, that need to be secured.
So size will definitely be an important factor. Much will also depend on how much you need to keep track of the incoming and outgoing footfall. For example, do you run a High Street retailing operation where customers are in and out all day long and you receive stock deliveries around the back of the premises?Are you situated on an out-of-town industrial estate with office and warehouse space that needs a high level of security? These different types of scenario will determine the extent and type of monitoring required.
Which parts of the building are most susceptible?
If there are entrance ways which don’t have the necessary level of protection, then there’s the potential for anyone to come and go as they please – wanted or unwanted. This could apply to the front entrance of your building or a store room. If these key access points aren’t properly monitored, your facility could be at risk. And it isn’t just the obvious points of entry; windows are just as vulnerable, especially if they are away from illumination or an obvious sight line.
Meanwhile, there may be areas within and around your premises that require higher levels of surveillance than others – not necessarily to deter intruders but also so that you can keep an eye on what your staff are getting up to, as unpalatable a thought as that might be.
When it comes to commercial security, you can never be too careful. So an efficient commercial alarm and security system is vital.
Factors to consider
By and large, the time that the premises will be most at risk will be after hours.
With this in mind, round-the-clock CCTV surveillance cameras and external lighting is the best way to keep a constant check on activity, whether the place is occupied or not.
CCTV provides you with a 24/7 recording everywhere that cameras have been positioned. This will afford you guaranteed peace of mind. The recorded data can be retained for a duration of up to 30 days, which you can check back within that timeframe, should anything suspicious have occurred.
Within your business premises, you will need to consider some form of intruder alarm. Beyond this, it is often essential to have an element of access control installed - not on every door, necessarily – since the entrance to the building may be manned. But, certainly for internal security, you may wish to have specific areas or doors which can only be accessed by certain personnel, via a key code or swipe card, for instance.
First Steps
Initially, we would recommend that a thorough assessment is carried out as to exactly what you require and the costs involved. Are you looking to secure a brand new premise, or taking over an existing property where there is an alarm system already in situ but which may require modification?
At Justice Fire and Security, we can assist you through every stage of the process, so that you arrive at the most effective option for YOUR business - from consultation to installation, as well as day-to-day support. We will also advise you on what sort of service and maintenance programme would be most appropriate.
From our West Midlands base, we have an extensive network of regional offices, handling all manner of commercial security and surveillance systems for clients throughout the counties of Shropshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire, covering Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, 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 Cheshire.
For more information, call your local office or 0845 468 0927.
