Security & Fraud

Make Security your Business

When I do a small business security check, I always start with the exterior of the building checking the fences, gates, walls and entrances for upkeep. It is important business owners maintain these crucial areas. A run down building exterior with lots of obstacles and materials lying around can be an invitation to a burglar.

Check all air ventilation systems and gratings to make sure they do not allow easy access for a burglar. In some cases you may have to install heavy grills or bars over those vulnerable areas.

A business owner must be aware that a burglar intent on breaking into a business is a force to reckon with. Be prepared to not only deal with the possibility of screwdrivers and pry bars but the ultimate break-in tool, a vehicle!

Concrete barriers in the way of planters, curbs or my favorite, bollards (concrete posts) are extremely effective in stopping vehicle attacks on small businesses. It's always a good idea to consult your landlord or the city for permission to install this type of security.

Examine all exterior doors carefully, checking for solid core construction and no less than 13/4 inches in thickness. Make sure all exterior doors have at least two number one grade deadbolt locks on all entry doors and drop bars on non entry doors (where allowed by the fire department). Make sure that mailboxes are not located near the lock areas.

Windows are always a problem when it comes to business security. However, in today’s world there are a few options that are sure to slow down the bad guys. Laminated glass is an effective way to add strength to glass areas; you may also want to consider securing your windows with metal grills.

Decorative grills are becoming more and more popular because of their track record for keeping the crooks at bay. (You must again check with the fire department before adding grills to windows). Another effective option is roll shutters, which over the last few years are becoming a favorite with several business owners. Please keep in mind if you decide to install roll shutters on your business, a vehicle could still penetrate them, so it is advised to team them up with concrete barriers in those vulnerable areas.

Don't forget about your roof! Quite often when I do security checks on businesses, the owner forgets about the roof. All access routes to the roof should be restricted. In some cases you may have to incorporate measures to prevent burglars from scaling the walls to gain access to the roof. This is done by keeping trees near the building well trimmed and making sure all fire escape ladders are secure.

Skylights, open fan systems or vents should be checked for easy entry and secured with internally fitted bars or security grills. Make sure you abide by the city’s bylaws when deciding to secure these areas.

Lighting, lighting, and more lighting are essential! I am a big proponent of lighting. I have found through the years that light is one of the cheapest and most effective security measures one can incorporate. Remember, the rear of your business is the most desirable area for a crook, so why not turn them off by installing lots of direct lighting and showcase their bad intentions.

Make sure you install lighting up high enough to prevent the thieves from unscrewing the bulbs. If you can't get your lighting high enough, install a cage around them to protect the bulbs.

Install an alarm system in your business and make sure you monitor it. After all you have a lot to protect, and you want to generate a police response as quickly as you can. You will be notified in the event of a break-in by the monitoring company as well, giving you the option of attending while the police make their rounds.

Spend a little extra and install a cellular back up on your business alarm system. This will assure the police will be notified in the event of a phone line cut.

Internally, make sure the checkout counter is located near the front of the store. This will allow employees to monitor the inside and the outside of your business from one location. Make sure your store design is set up in such a way to allow employees to keep an eye on the valuable items on display.

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