Securing Your Premises 20 January 2023

All businesses with a public facing premises are at risk of crime like theft and vandalism and these incidents can affect your bottom line. Having suitable security in place will reduce the damage caused by potential criminal activity.

Business of all sizes are worried about security, many businesses discovered vulnerabilities in their security procedures during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This guide contains helpful steps that can make your business secure from crimes such as theft and vandalism.

On-Premises Security Tips for Businesses

Perform a Risk Assessment

Before putting measures in place, you need to take stock of all the risks facing your business.

You should gather local data from business owners and be active within your local business community. Be alert to local incidents of vandalism, graffiti and thefts in the same area. Consider meeting your local Police Community Support Officers and introducing yourself, making sure that you stay connected with your local police at any of the crime event seminars.

As well as looking at outside risks, look at the possibility of risks within your own business too. Here are some things to consider when undertaking your risk assessment:

• Where are all the possible entrances and exists to the premises?
• How long would it take between the alarm sounding and someone to arrive?
• How easy or difficult would it be for criminals to get away with stolen goods?
• Which areas are most vulnerable to theft? E.g. areas used to store high value goods?
• Do you have a written and visual record of who enters and leaves?
• What would be the cost of damage and loss to the business?

Take simple security precautions during business hours

To start with there are some simple and highly cost-effective precautions you can put in place to improve security in your business premises.

Staff Training

Training your staff on security will ensure it’s always at the forefront of everyone minds. Also individuals should know exactly what their responsibilities are.

Premises Access Control

Keep a record via signing in/out system for staff and visitors, ensure that staff wear ID badges and visitors wear visitor badges. This makes it very quick to identify genuine visitors from intruders during business hours.

“Hello, Can I Help You?”

Encourage all your staff to ask this question to anyone they do not recognise in the building/on the premises, ask all visitors to state their name and give their reason for visiting.

Physical Security Measures

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are an obvious vulnerable point in your business premises. Here is some advice on securing your doors and windows.

• Lock all windows and doors when the premises is empty, or when the last member of staff is leaving for the day.
• Use a locking up procedure or checklist and ensure all staff are fully trained.
• Test all your locks and ensure that they are conforming to British Standard 3621.
• Never label keys with descriptive labels always use a code that only employees understand.
• Consider window bars or grilles for ground level windows to protect them from vandals and those trying to gain entry by smashing through a window.
• Consider installing steel shutters to cover windows and doors when the premises is unoccupied for extra security.

Perimeter Fences

Perimeter fences are useful for businesses that have car parks, delivery service areas, or other outside spaces. Valuable materials and vehicles may need to be left in these outdoor areas, so it is important they are not overlooked in your security arrangements.

• Secure fences and gates with padlocks when the premises is unoccupied.
• If possible, lock vehicles and valuable goods out of sight.
• Ensure that the fence is well lit and captured by CCTV cameras (if you have them).
• Consider your employees and visitors too, do not make the enforcement seem unwelcoming with too many fences and walls! This may put customers off visiting you or affect staff wellbeing if it feels imposing.

On-Site Personnel

Members of staff may have security as part of their daily responsibilities, or you may have dedicated security guards and other security personnel.

Premises storing valuable goods that have been targeted by thieves in the past often have security guards patrolling the premises throughout the day and night to deter criminals.

Ensure that security guards have a valid SIA licence issued by the Security Industry Authority, it is illegal for guards to work without one!

Electronic Security Measures

Electronic systems allow for an additional level of security, beyond physical barriers and patrols.

CCTV Systems

CCTV only acts as a deterrent; it is also used as evidence in court to convict criminals.

In all cases CCTV requires expert installation by an approved installer. We install several types of CCTV cameras, including covert CCTV, rapid deployment CCTV and full building installations for all types of businesses.

Here’s what you need to consider before installing a new CCTV system:

• How many cameras, and which types of cameras will you need to maximise coverage of your premises?
• Where will you position your cameras for the best results?
• Will your CCTV footage be monitored remotely in real time or simply recorded for future viewing if required?
• Where is the CCTV footage stored and for how long?
• Do you have the appropriate privacy notices and signage in place to be compliant with the law?

There are some additional benefits to having high quality CCTV system in your premises:

1. You have more control over who enters your premises.
2. Insurance companies can use CCTV for claims against your policy.
3. CCTV deters and prevents employee theft.

Having CCTV installed in a public premises is a simple decision which can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Alarm Systems

When considering an alarm system for your business premises, you need to think strategically about its features:

• Instant response services and remote monitoring have greater benefits than audio alarms only. It’s preferable for a system to alert both the police and keyholders if it sounds.
• Ensure that your alarm system complies with British Standard 4737-3.0:1988 and is installed by a reputable supplier.
• Check the particulars of your insurance policy for any specifications regarding the alarm system before committing to make a purchase.
• Consider whether you need additional features such as a panic alarm.
• Ensure that keyholders are local and able to attend quickly in the event of the alarm sounding, for example, in the middle of the night. This is a big responsibility for any member of staff to take on.
• Be aware of false alarms, the police may refuse to attend your premises if it happens too often. you can avoid false alarms by undertaking regular maintenance testing.

Fire Safety Measures

Fire safety regulations also contribute to the security of your premises. Arson attacks on businesses are frequent, so reliable fire safety systems can help to reduce the damage and risk to people’s safety.

Here are some additional measures you should have in place:

• Store all combustible and flammable materials securely and away from the public facing areas where criminals may use them.
• Control access to areas where dangerous materials are stored.
• Regularly evaluate all your fire suppression and alarm systems including sprinklers, fire alarms, extinguishers, fire curtains or any other fire protection you hold.
• It is your legal responsibility to conduct regular fire risk assessments, you can be fined for not doing so.

Fire safety is vital to all premises and should never be underestimated as a risk to any business.

Insurance and Mitigation

It is vital that you communicate all changes to your security systems to your insurance arrangements, as your policies may be invalid if you do not! You should discuss the different measures mentioned in this article with your insurance provider to see if you can save any money on your premiums by installing additional security.

To mitigate the risk posed by criminals as much as possible you will also need:

1. An updated inventory of your assets.
2. Photographs of your assets stored remotely using Cloud storage or an offsite back up facility.
3. A detailed disaster discovery plan to cover various situations (fire, theft, flood, national emergencies, etc).

What to do in the event of a security incident

If your business has been the victim of a criminal attack or theft, you need to act immediately for the best results of catching the culprits and recovering any damage.

Here’s what to do if your business is affected by a security incident:

1. Call the police and immediately follow their guidance.
2. Involve your insurance company as soon as possible, delayed reports of incidents could have an impact on your claim.
3. Secure windows and doors if they were broken, but wait for the police to gather any evidence first!
4. Assess the damage and potential losses.
5. Document the incident for your own records and for internal reviews/audits.
6. Review and improve your existing security systems to prevent future incidents.

Speak to a Security Expert today

Are you worried about your business premises? It is common for business owners and staff to feel anxious, especially during the darker nights. Our security consultants work with business of all sizes to provide critical advice and guidance to ensure that your assets, buildings and facilities are as secure as they should be.

Whether you need advice on the best way to protect yourself or guidance on how to increase security within your organisation, our advisory services are here to assist.