For many modern businesses, the term “security” is often immediately associated with firewalls, anti-virus and spyware protection. However, physical security of the premises themselves can be just as important, if not more so.
While cybersecurity is undoubtedly extremely important in 2019 and beyond, lack of on-site protection and second-rate safeguarding can leave your business extremely vulnerable from a physical standpoint.
Think of it as locking your valuables in a safe before you go on holiday, only to leave the front door to your house wide open. One is only as good as the other and security across the board is vital.
Crime Statistics
In figures released in April of 2019, the Office of National Statistics reported that 2018 saw a notable 11% increase in police recorded robbery offences. That should come as a stark warning to any business that values their property, premises and their personnel.
If you’re a business owner, general manager of decisionmaker in your working environment, it’s inherently important to take care of your staff and your inventory so be sure to bolster your security for your business with the appropriate safety measures.
Business Crime
The Crime Victimisation Survey published at the tail-end of 2018 revealed that there were almost 8.5 million crimes committed against businesses in the year of 2017. Somewhat expectedly, businesses in the wholesale and retail sector were hit hardest; however, the sheer magnitude of this fact was quite shocking.
Based on the CVS stats, out of the 8.5m reported crimes in their study, a whopping 8.1m of these were committed in the wholesale and retail industry. By contrast, the manufacturing industry allegedly saw just 117k crimes committed.
That being said, that doesn’t mean your business is off the hook if it lies outside of the wholesale/retail category. More than anything else, these statistics prove that thieves, burglars and robbers are extremely opportunistic and the slightest chink in the armour can be seen as a golden opportunity. As such, safeguarding your business is beyond important.
Crime Trends
Before you send out an office-wide alert striking fear into the hearts of all employees, it’s not all doom and gloom on the statistical front. An impending mugging is not an inevitability, so don’t feel the need to carry mace on every trip to the canteen.
While robbery has seen a dramatic increase, burglary has seen a marginal decrease with a 3% drop by the close of 2018. However, this comes following a 6% rise in March 2018 and a preceding 3% rise in March 2017. So, while it is good news, it’s a million miles from the all clear.
Security Solutions
Luckily, there are a variety of ways to improve your business security measures, many of which can be implemented with minimal fuss, disruption or inconvenience.
As experts in security, IDS Security Systems knows a thing or two about safeguarding businesses. We have been providing security solutions since 1996 and our experiences in that time make for good advice, particularly when it comes to business security.
In our experience, whether you’re a shop owner, an office manager or otherwise, there are certain security systems no business can afford to do without.
From traditional CCTV systems to digital IP cameras, state-of-the-art surveillance is key for on-site security. Remote-controlled systems that provide remote enabling of site facilities (such as lights, doors and gates) can be particularly useful.
A quality intruder alarm will provide 24/7 monitoring of your premises for round the clock updates and alerts. This can often be supplemented with on-call engineers to ensure complete year-round security.
Whether it’s a single door or a multi-site network, access control panels are ideal for secure internal and external entry points. These are commonly available for both electronic and magnetic door release and typically compatible with smart cards, fobs and intercoms for minimal disruption.
Particularly useful for parking sites, public buildings and commercial properties, security barriers offer efficient control of vehicles and pedestrians to your site. These typically range in style from automated gates and barriers to rising bollards and turnstiles.
While not always crime related, fire alarms are one of the most important security measures for any property – commercial or domestic. Ensure the safety of your property and your workers with a comprehensive fire alarm that offers 24-hour supervision.
Business Crime Prevention
Whether you opt for all, some or a combination of the above, you can rest assured that your business is as safe and secure as possible. Stop crime on your dime and provide your workers with something money can’t buy – peace of mind.
For more information on security measures for your business, feel free to contact IDS Security Systems personally on 029 20 753 251 and discuss your business security in further detail.
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