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by: Michelle Annese
Halloween
costumes are a scary thing for many this time of year. It is also
frightening to know your business or commercial property has
potential for being victimized. Here are 10 prevention measures to
keep property safe from those things that go ‘bump’ in the night and
ensure business owners from having a terrifying theft experience.
1. Locks and Padlocks – Locks on all outside entrances and inside
security doors should be double cylinder deadbolts with removable
collars. The deadbolt should have at least one inch throw containing
a hardened steel insert and protected by a latch guard. Padlocks
should be of hardened steel, mounted on bolted hasps and always
locked to prevent exchange. Serial numbers should be filed off to
prevent new keys from being made.
2. Doors – all outside and/or security doors should be of solid
construction, metal lined and secured with heavy metal crossbars.
Jams around doors must be solid. All exposed hinges should be pinned
to prevent removal.
3. Windows – should have secure locks. Burglar-resistant glass
treatments are also recommended. An example would be the
installation of polyester security. However, this must be used
together with the alarm’s glass break sensor. Heavy metal grates may
be used on windows of high vulnerability (such as rear windows).
Check with your area Fire Code Inspector for safety requirements.
4. Lights – must provide optimum visibility, both inside and out,
with outside lights having vandal-proof covers over the lights and
power sources. Your entire perimeter must be well lit, especially
around doors and other possible entries.
5. Alarm System – should be supplied and installed by a licensed
alarm company with a central monitoring station. Check the alarm
system on a daily basis, and advertise its presence to deter
break-ins with the company’s sticker or yard sign.
6. Cash Register – should be kept in plain view from outside the
building so it can be easily monitored and should be left open when
empty and not in use.
7. Safe – should be fire proof, burglar resistant, anchored securely
and in plain view. Leave it open when it is empty, and use it to
lock up valuables when business is closed. Change the combination
whenever someone with access is released from your employment.
8. Building Exterior – should be checked including the roof,
basement, and walls. Secure all openings. Maintain good visibility
by not allowing landscaping, boxes, trash bins, vehicles, or
equipment near your building where they might provide concealment or
access to the roof.
9. Perimeter Fences – need to be adequate enough to keep intruders
out, and at the same time allow good visibility of your business by
neighbors and police. A good example of fencing would be vertical
iron bar or 1/8 inch mesh vinyl coated chain link.
10. Key Control and ID Numbers – keys should be handed out in
responsible manner. A master key system where one key open all locks
may be convenient, but it may not be the best for security. Code all
keys, keep them securely locked when not in use, and do not allow
employees to leave them lying around or make duplicates. Change
locks whenever you suspect key security has been jeopardized.
Marking equipment with ID numbers should be displayed to make this
plainly evident to would-be thieves. Also, keeping a record of
serial numbers on all equipment may help in recovery.
There’s no one ‘quick fix’ for deterring thieves, but if certain
precautions are taken, business owners will sleep soundly knowing
they done what they can to prevent a ghoulish burglary of their
property.
About The Author
Michelle Annese is an instructor and lecturer of self-defense,
safety awareness and fitness specializing in realtors and business
professionals. She is a third degree Black Belt and holds rank in
numerous martial arts styles along with exclusive training with law
enforcement and personal security experts. Ms. Annese has studied
extensively on criminal behavior and intent. She was inducted into
the martial arts hall of fame in 2000 and Head women’s instructor of
The Dragon Society International in 2004. Ms. Annese is the author
of "The Realtor Survival Guide". She also writes many articles that
include tips, self-defense strategies, personal protection
techniques, safety product information and much more - aimed to help
build awareness and to save lives. Ms. Annese resides in Virginia
USA with her husband Frank and two young children.
For more safety tips and a free e-newsletter and free teleseminars
send your email address to
annese@safetyquestproducts.com.
Reprints of this article are allowed only in its entirety with urls
and email addresses intact.
www.michelleannese.com
www.safetyquestproducts.com
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2775 West Dickman Road, Battle Creek, Michigan 49037