Security Your Business Can Afford
Whether your business provides a service, sells retail, or consults, your location houses important and valuable assets. Few business owners stop and consider the costs of a theft (either internal or external) or how adequate their current security is. In fact, more often than not I am contacted by a business owner AFTER a loss has occurred to review their business' security. Well here are a few security issues that are simple to fix and can protect yourself, your employees, and your business.
Improperly Installed Locks:
Most locks are taken for granted. You put the key in, turn it, and the door locks or unlocks. Enough said right? Well… no. An improperly installed or adjusted lock may appear to be secure while leaving you unprotected. How many of you have used a credit card to open a locked door? Modern latches are designed to stop the “credit card” technique, but only if installed properly. Deadbolt latches also need to slide smoothly and completely into the door jam to ensure that the latch cannot simply be pulled back with a screwdriver.
Inadequate locks:
The concept of “bumping” a lock has been in the news a lot lately. “Bumping” is a simple, quick, and quiet method for opening a locked door. The concept is so easy many locksmiths now prefer “bumping” to traditional lockpicks! Higher security locks resist bumping and picking and even come with keys that cannot be duplicated without your consent.
Too Many Keyed Locks:
Not every entry to your place of business requires a keyed lock. Usually, a front door and a back door are sufficient. Other doors only need a locking mechanism on the inside and the outside lock can be capped or disabled. This is an inexpensive war to restrict the number of doors a potential thief can attack and to save money when it comes time to re-key.
Lighting:
Once you have reduced the number of access points to your business, try to keep these access points well lit and open. This protects both you and your employees as they begin and end each day as well as deter would be thieves.
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Unaccounted Keys:
Do you know where your keys are? Even the best lock will not protect you against a thief with a working key. Disgruntled ex-employees or managers often do not return their keys when leaving your employment, or may have made a duplicate key. Re-keying your locks is an inexpensive way to make sure you know who has legitimate access to your property.
Recorded Security Cameras:
No one likes to be on camera, and this is especially true for thieves. A simple camera system can be a significant deterrent for in-house and out-of-house thefts. Costco recently sold a wireless, four camera system, with digital recording for less than $400. Of course more expensive systems exist, but even a simple system can have a huge impact. Do not, however, use fake security cameras. Thieves are not so easily fooled.
Alarms:
Regardless of how secure the door is there is always the possibility the thief will simply break a window and not every business can have a junk-yard dog for after-hours protection. While a monitored alarm is ideal, a simple motion detector with audible siren will ensure that even if a thief gains access to your business, he/she will not be sticking around long.
Many Locksmiths will provide you with a free “Security Review” or will come and address some of the above items for little more than the service charge. With a little prevention your business will be more secure and you will be able to sleep easier at night knowing your business is safe and secure.
About the Author:
Key C. Powell
Key Locksmith Services
1029 Airport Road North Unit B7
Naples, FL 34104
(239) 687-8494
“The KEY to Your Security and Peace of Mind.”
