Whilst most businesses will spend time focusing on customer satisfaction and profit margins, security is one aspect of business that many people are guilty of overlooking to some degree. When it comes to the types of security your business can adopt, the choice is vast, from CCTV cameras to manned guards, and everything in between. In essence, it comes down to the type of business you run, and the threats and risks posed to you, your staff and your customers. Employing the correct security solutions within your company will not only ensure that your business is protected but will also help keep your profits healthy as risk of burglary or vandalism are reduced, and as so larger, unscheduled pay-outs are minimised.

Monitoring

Monitoring is an umbrella term for a number of security systems which ‘monitor’ an area and essentially ensure that your building and/or staff are kept safe. This can be CCTV and alarms that, when triggered, link to police or fire services. Or, for vulnerable staff such as those in a hospital or social care setting who work nightshifts; this can be GPS-personal tracking systems, that again, when triggered, alert the relevant services.

Access Control

Having full control over who is entering and leaving your premises is key to feeling secure. Access control gives you peace of mind over who is able to enter your premises. Legitimate staff can gain access to the building via fob or ID cards, or, in some cases, biometrics such as palm or fingerprints.

Access control has the additional advantage of allowing you a 360 view of your staffs’ arrivals and departures into the building, giving you greater oversight.

CCTV

Whilst most of us understand CCTV as a form of security for a building, what you may not know is that there are additional extras that you can combine with your CCTV monitoring for even greater protection. This can be ANPR (licence plate recognition) software, which can record all vehicles within camera radius. Or a PA voiceover that allows you to set up a loud automated warning should trespassers enter your premises. CCTV not only acts as a deterrent to potential thieves and vandals but if any issues do occur, the video footage can be used as evidence to help catch and convict the criminals. Additionally, installing CCTV can help lower your insurance premiums significantly.

Security Lighting

Strong lighting on the outside of your premises acts as a fantastic, cost-effective, deterrent to any would-be intruders. There are many different options available depending on the level of security you require, as well as the location of your premises. For instance, you may decide that a reactive system is right for you. Reactive lighting is triggered whenever anything comes within range, making it ideal for the exterior of buildings. Alternatively, you may require extra permanent light which has the benefit of giving greater lighting for your CCTV systems, thus providing you with clearer images at night.

Manned Guards

For some businesses, knowing that there is a person on the ground protecting staff, visitors, premises and stock, gives that extra peace of mind. A guard on your premises offers varying levels of protection. This could be a guard who operates during ‘working’ hours, and perhaps is the first point of contact for any visitors, ensuring that no-one enters the building who is not meant to. Or it could be a guard who watches the building outside of hours, protecting your business from intruders and vandals.

Road and Perimeter Systems

Depending on the size of your property, you may have the capacity to include perimeter blocks, that add an extra layer of security to your business. These can take on many forms, including electronic gates and automated road-blockers, as well as turnstile gates and rising bollards.

Roller Shutters

Roller shutters are an essential line of defence for your business, they help to ensure your facility is protected against burglary and vandalism. Intact roller shutters act as a deterrent to potential burglars and are a vital element of your facilities security.

What to Do If you Do Have a Break In

Despite all the security measures, break ins can happen, and it is important to act accordingly in the aftermath. A break in can make you vulnerable to repeat offense so it is important to take immediate action to ensure the safety of your building and those in it. The immediate first steps include informing the police and ensuring short-term security by boarding up any damaged windows and doors.

The aftermath of a break in gives you an opportunity to thoroughly investigate your building’s vulnerabilities. Make sure you thoroughly review your CCTV to determine how the break in occurred and rectify the identified issues. For example, if the break in occurred due to a faulty window, make sure to solve this problem and check other potential security weak areas.

You should also make sure to change all locks on your building as keys and key cards could have been stolen during the break in or used in the initial break in; even if you don’t think any keys are missing it is necessary precaution to take.

At MSL, we cover a range of security solutions, and are able to offer a bespoke security package based on the needs of your business. MSL are also able to offer reactive maintenance to assist with any security concerns or recovery needs. To discuss this, or any of our other services further, please call us on 0333 1234450.