Running a business comes with numerous challenges, including the potential for break-ins and theft. More than a million break-ins occur each year in the United States. Each business burglary costs, on average, $12,000. Break-ins can also lead to emotional stress, disrupt operations, and damage a business’s reputation.
While no security system is entirely foolproof, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of break-ins and protect your assets.
Tips for Preventing Business Break-Ins
Criminals never rest. Fortunately, there are many options for designing and deploying tools to prevent break-ins in your business.
Install a Robust Security System
A comprehensive security system is the first line of defense against break-ins. It should include features such as:
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Surveillance cameras: Install cameras that cover all entry points, parking lots, and other vulnerable areas. Intelligent video analytics, such as the solutions offered by Pro-Vigil, can alert you to suspicious activity in real-time, allowing for immediate response.
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Alarm system: An effective alarm system should have motion and door and window sensors. These systems deter intruders by sounding a loud alarm or notifying law enforcement directly.
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Lock all entry points: Doors, windows, and other points of entry should lock, especially after hours. Reinforce windows with security film to make them harder to break and consider installing deadbolts and door sensors.
Enhance Perimeter Security
By creating barriers that make it difficult for intruders to gain access, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of unauthorized entry. Key strategies include:
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Fencing: To discourage intruders, install a sturdy, tall fence around the perimeter of your property. Add signage indicating that the premises are protected by a security system or monitored by cameras.
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Access control gate: An access control gate can regulate who enters the property for businesses with large lots or open spaces. Coupling this with ID badges or electronic key cards will limit access to authorized personnel.
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Adequate lighting: Well-lit areas are less attractive to criminals. Install motion-activated lights around your business, especially near entrances, exits, and loading docks. Lights that turn on unexpectedly can startle and deter potential burglars.
Implement Employee Security Training to Prevent Business Break-ins
Employees can help prevent break-ins. Educating your staff about the importance of security empowers them to be vigilant and act responsibly. Effective employee training should include security protocols to protect your workforce and business.
How to Prevent Break-Ins at Night
Nighttime is one of the most vulnerable periods for businesses, as reduced visibility and fewer people can make it easier for criminals to break in. Fortunately, several strategies to secure your business at night ensure it remains protected even when no one is on the premises.
Install Night Vision Cameras
Night vision cameras are an essential tool for protecting your business after dark. They’re also perfect for low-light conditions at any time of day.
Traditional cameras may struggle to capture clear images in low-light conditions. Night vision cameras provide clear, detailed footage even in complete darkness. These cameras use infrared technology to detect and record activity, allowing you to monitor your property 24/7.
When selecting night vision cameras, opt for models with:
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High-definition resolution: This feature offers clear, sharp footage to help identify suspects if necessary.
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Wide-angle lenses: These lenses cover a larger area, reducing the number of cameras needed to monitor your property.
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Motion detection: Cameras equipped with motion sensors will only record when movement is detected, saving storage space and making it easier to review footage.
Pro-Vigil’s night vision cameras, paired with intelligent video analytics, can help identify suspicious activity in real-time, allowing you to respond quickly to potential threats.
Use Virtual Security Guards for 24/7/365 Monitoring
Virtual security guards offer an innovative solution for watching your business at night. These guards are not physically present on your premises and monitor your surveillance cameras remotely. Virtual security guards use advanced software, including video analytics, to detect unusual behavior or unauthorized access during off-hours.
The benefits of virtual security guards include:
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Real-time intervention: If suspicious activity is detected, virtual guards can respond immediately by alerting law enforcement, sounding alarms, or using two-way communication to warn potential intruders.
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Cost-effective: Hiring physical security personnel to monitor your business overnight can be expensive. Virtual guards offer a more affordable alternative while providing 24/7 surveillance.
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Remote access: With virtual security guard services, you can access camera feeds from your smartphone or computer, allowing you to check on your business.
Pro-Vigil offers virtual guard services perfect for nighttime security, ensuring your business is constantly monitored without the high cost of a traditional security team.
Install Cameras with Audio and Visual Deterrents
Some video surveillance has built-in audio and visual deterrents to startle potential intruders and draw attention to their presence. These deterrents include features like flashing lights, loud alarms, or prerecorded warnings that activate when motion is detected. The sudden activation of these devices can scare off criminals and alert nearby individuals or authorities to a potential threat. Combining these deterrents with a robust security system—such as cameras and monitoring—enhances your overall protection. Pro-Vigil’s solutions offer customizable audio and visual deterrents, ensuring your business remains secure and minimizing the likelihood of break-ins.
Partner with a Professional Security Company
Working with a professional security company like Pro-Vigil can give you peace of mind that experts are monitoring your business. From surveillance solutions to advanced video analytics, Pro-Vigil can customize a security system to meet your business’s specific needs, ensuring comprehensive protection against break-ins. Contact us to help prevent break-ins at your company.
Q&A
Break-ins are a valid concern for any business. They can lead to inventory loss, property damage, and even employee harm. Even if your business is in a low-crime area, it's essential to recognize that criminals often target companies lack strong security measures. Investing in preventive steps like surveillance, access control, and employee training, reduces the risk and ensures the safety of your assets and personnel.
If your business is broken into, the first step is to ensure everyone's safety by calling the police immediately. Avoid touching anything as law enforcement will need to investigate the scene. Once they’ve investigated, assess the damage and contact your insurance provider to file a claim. Review the footage to help identify the culprits if you use a surveillance system. Finally, take steps to enhance security and prevent future incidents, such as upgrading your alarm system, reinforcing doors and windows, and conducting a security audit with a professional.