According to the most recent statistic from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1,401,840 burglaries occurred in 2017 in the United States. Whether you own a small shop or a bustling restaurant, your business can be targeted by thieves. While no building can be completely “burglar-proof,” there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your business being targeted and stolen from.
Ways to Prevent Burglary and Increase Security
1. Install Cameras
Security cameras are one of the best ways you can improve the security of your business. Cameras serve a variety of purposes to protect your business. They can catch a burglar in the act, making the thief easy to identify and find. Cameras on the exterior of your business make an excellent deterrent. A burglar will be less likely to break into a building that is camera-monitored.
2. Use Landscaping to Your Advantage
If you think shrubs and bushes are a waste of your precious dollars, think again. Not only do hedges brighten up the facade of your business, but they can also work wonders to keep pesky burglars out. Holly and roses look beautiful around the perimeter of the business, and burglars won’t bother breaking in if they have to brave a briar patch. Burglars tend to target places that look easy to break into, so having this extra barrier around your business is one of the best burglar deterrents.
3. Considering Installing an Alarm System
An alarm system won’t physically keep burglars out of your business, but it can serve as an excellent deterrent. Alarm systems range from basic to advanced, but you don’t have to invest in an alarm with all the bells and whistles for it to be effective. Try to make sure that the alarm lights are on at the very least, even if the system isn’t actually working. Burglars will be less likely to target your business if they see an alarm sticker on the window, so try to have that in place as well.
4. Illuminate Inside and Out
Lighting does an excellent job of keeping unwanted visitors out of your business after hours. Burglars use the dark of night to sneak into homes and businesses undetected. Motion-sensing lights, solar lights, and timed interior lights should be enough to keep burglars at bay while you are away from your business. If a well-lit building isn’t enough of a deterrent, the lighting will make it easy for passersby to notice a suspicious person lurking around your business.
5. Don’t Give Them Access
If you have ladders, tools, or anything else lying around the exterior of your business that burglars could use to break in, bring it inside, put in in your vehicle, or lock it away someplace out of sight. Inside of your business, valuables like smart devices, laptops, cash, and televisions should be locked up or kept out of view from any windows. If you run a shop, don’t leave cash in the register when you leave. Don’t leave gates, windows, and doors unlocked; always double-check them before you leave.
6. Be Mindful of Your Online Presence
As a business owner, your online presence matters. Social media content can work wonders to promote your business, but it is unwise to tell everyone when you will be away. A thief may know when your business is closed, but a smart burglar will strike at an unexpected time, such as when you are on vacation. Don’t grant thieves access by letting them know the shop is empty.
The best way to avoid a break-in is to reduce the chance of being targeted. Don’t give burglars the upper hand. Take the precautionary steps to keep thieves from even considering your business as their next strike point. You’ve worked hard to have a successful business, don’t leave it vulnerable at the hands of criminals.
