Burglary Prevention
Physical Security
Physical security constitutes 90% of burglary prevention. If your building is locked and unauthorized entry is made difficult, time consuming, and conspicuous, chances of a successful burglary are minimized.
Physical security constitutes 90% of burglary prevention. If your building is locked and unauthorized entry is made difficult, time consuming, and conspicuous, chances of a successful burglary are minimized.
Alarm Systems & Safes
- Alarm systems should be supplied by a licensed alarm company with a central monitoring station. Check the system on a daily basis. Advertise its presence to deter break-ins.
- The cash register should be in plain view from outside so it can be easily monitored. Leave the drawer open when empty or not in use.
- Safes should be fire-proof, burglar resistant, anchored securely, and in plain view. Leave them open when empty, and use them to lock up valuables when the business is closed.
- Tightly anchor all equipment / merchandise to a secure base to delay the efforts of a burglar.
Door Locks & Padlocks
- Locks on all outside entrances and inside security doors should be double-cylinder deadbolts with movable collars.
- They should be recessed into the door and should have at least a 1-inch throw containing a hardened steel insert protected by a latch guard.
- Padlocks should be made of hardened steel and mounted on bolted hasps. Keep them locked to prevent exchange.
- File off serial numbers to prevent new keys being made.
- Change combinations when anyone with safe access leaves your employment.
Doors & Windows
- Entry doors should be of solid construction, metal-lined, and secured with heavy metal crossbars.
- Door jams must be solid. Exposed hinges should be pinned to prevent removal.
- Windows should have secure locks and burglar-resistant glass.
- Use heavy metal grates on all windows, except possibly display windows.
- Good visibility should be maintained through windows. Expensive items should be removed from displays before closing.
Lighting & Exterior
- Lights must provide optimum visibility inside and out, with vandal-proof covers over the outside lights and power source.
- The perimeter must be well-lit, especially around all entry points.
- Maintain good visibility. Landscaping, boxes, and trash bins near the building can give a criminal cover or access to the roof.
- Check your building exterior (roof, cellar, walls, etc.); secure all openings larger than 12 by 12.
- Perimeter fences should keep intruders out and allow good visibility of your business by neighbors and police.
- Alarms on fences can give you additional protection.
- Guard dogs inside fences are also effective in deterring unauthorized entry.
- A closing security check should include the entire interior of your business so you do not lock an aspiring burglar inside.
- Check the exterior to make sure that there have been no security breaches.
Record-Keeping
- Your NCDL or Social Security number should be engraved, and Operation ID stickers displayed, on enticing objects.
- Keep accurate records of serial numbers on all items to help in recovery.