Retail business owners are often targeted by miscreants as well as robbers and burglars. In order to keep their business safe and running, they need to follow a comprehensive security policy that should involve electronic as well as manual surveillance. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Proper Lighting
Care should be taken to provide proper lighting for all areas on the premises. Any dark corner can be used by thieves to sneak in. Both entry and exit points, should be well lit from inside and outside. Also at night the inside lights should be left switched on.
2. Building Design
Re-evaluate the design of the building. Check to see if it is properly constructed to prevent any intrusion. Is the roof safely protected? Is it safe against vehicle ramming raids?
3. Windows and doors
Check whether all doors and windows are constructed solidly. They should also be fitted with deadlocks and kept locked at all times unless needed. Also secure any skylights.
4. Property records
Record all identification evidence about your properties such as computers, photocopiers, printers, etc. Keep them stored in a separate location. Also take some photographs of your property for identification purposes.
5. Telephone
Keep all emergency contact numbers close to your telephone set and if possible have them programmed in quick dial. Also ensure against tampering of telephone lines.
6. Vaults and safes
If there are safes installed in the office, make sure they are properly fastened and bolted to at least two different walls. Also keep them safely out of sight and properly locked at all times.
7. Cash handling and transfer
Devise proper cash handling procedures and make sure that you don’t have any set banking procedures that could be easily identified and targeted by miscreants. Also, restrict your cash handling duties to only those trusted and always count the cash away from public view. If you deal with sufficiently large sums of money, you should consider hiring a safe cash transport service.
8. Restricted access to keys
Safely store and secure all keys with access restricted to only those who are in-charge and directly responsible for the task. Also provide a separate locker area to staff where they can store their personal valuables safely, when at work.
9. Surveillance and alarms
Install intruder alarm as well as fire alarm systems in the property. Also install proper surveillance equipment (such as CCTV) as required and monitor the footage regularly. Keep recorded footage for at least a week at hand.
10. Documents and passwords
Don’t store your passwords on your desk and change them frequently. Also destroy any sensitive documents properly and dispose them safely.
Apart from following the above guidelines, you should also have proper insurance policy in place for your business and you should review it regularly in case you need an upgrade.
For more tips on safeguarding your business and for any questions regarding security guards and monitoring, contact us directly at 020 3288 0000 or 020 3288 0011.
