Have you ever stopped to consider what impact a burglary would have on your business? Probably not. Most business people are too busy running their businesses to worry about incidents that seem unlikely to happen.

But what would you do if you came to work tomorrow morning and found your business had been burglarized?

• Could you make a list of all the missing items for the police?
• Would your insurance cover the cost of these items?
• If critical property like computers were stolen, would you still be able to run your business that day?
• What if the stolen items are never recovered?

And what about the intangible costs associated with a theft?

• Lost work time
• Cost of legal fees
• Cost of police work
• Psychological impact on employees

The total cost of a burglary at your business could be much more than the loss of physical assets. Perhaps it's time to invest in some peace of mind for yourself and for your business.

You are most at risk of being burglarized when you:

• Have just fired an employee.
• Have multiple keys in circulation (maintenance people,
  employees, etc.).
• Have a very consistent schedule.
• Take long vacations.
• Have recently moved your business.

A good security strategy slows burglars down, so that the risk of detection becomes too great and they give up and leave.

Locks are your first line of defense. Pick and drill resistant locks slow a burglar down, giving an alarm system more time to alert the local police to problems. Your safe is your final defense from a burglar's attack.

Security Tips For Your Business:

• Crooks will look at areas of vulnerability: businesses with an open door or a broken window, or ones without security systems.

• It is not expensive to take the basic steps toward securing your business. Keep the main points of entry locked with high security locks.

• Keep track of who has copies of the keys to your business. Change locks if keys are lost or stolen. If you've recently moved in, change all door locks as soon as possible.

• Always request identification from service or utility workers. Potential thieves don't always look like "thugs"!!

• At night, keep walkways well-lit. Trim the landscaping and make sure there are no areas for someone to hide easily.

• To avoid being surprised, look around and make sure that no one followed you before stepping out of your car.

• Get involved in Neighborhood Watch programs. They work! Get to know your neighbors. Report suspicious people to the police.

• Make sure you have high security locks on all exterior doors. Use high security locks on file cabinets, desks, equipment storage rooms, etc. Purchase a safe for keeping valuables, records and personal keepsakes.

• Make sure no one can copy your key(s) without your knowledge and permission.

• Use high security padlocks on your outbuildings and storage areas, preferably ones keyed the same as your main building.

If you are robbed, remember: it is better to lose your valulables than your life. Yield your possessions and let the robber go. Then call the police. Be alert to every detail that could aid in identifying the criminal. 

Is Your Business Secure?

Take this quick security quiz to examine the security of your business. If you answer "no" to any of these questions, your business may be prone to serious security problems.

In regards to your keys:

1.      Was the establishment rekeyed recently?

2.      Can all keys be accounted for?

3.      Does a past employee or service provider still have a key?

Tip: Think of all the people who have had access to keys to your business: past employees, disgruntled employees, cleaning people, auto repair shops, previous owners. Key control is the most important aspect of your security. If you cannot control who can copy your keys, you cannot control your security.

In regards to your doors:

1.      Is the primary lock functioning?

2.      Are the other door locks functioning? Rear? Side? Sliding?

3.      Is there a deadlocking latch on the front door?

4.      Are deadlocking latches on other doors? Rear? Storage?

5.      Is there a front deadbolt lock with a minimum of 1" throw?

6.      Does the minimum apply on the rear door or storage?

7.      Are double cylinder or captive thumbturn deadbolts installed in front door or rear door?

8.      Is a high security stike anchored at the front door? Rear? Storage?

9.      Are the front door locksets keyed alike throughout? Rear? Storage? Offices?

10.  Is an auxiliary lock installed on all doors, including the rear, storage and offices?

In regards to your windows:

1.      Are they securely mounted with functioning locks?

2.      Are you as careful about locking windows as you are doors?

3.      Are double cylinder or captive thumbturn deadbolts installed in areas near glass windows, such as the front door or rear door?

Tip: Even though door and window security are simple and effective ways to increase the security of your business, they are often taken for granted. Sometimes doors and windows and their locks are made from low-quality, low-security hardware and materials.

Regarding office security:

1.      Are you as careful about locking desks as you are doors?

2.      Are computers securely mounted?

3.      Are all office doors secure?

Tip: A good security strategy deters would-be burglars or slows them down past their self-imposed time limits.

Regarding your exterior security:

1.      Is landscaping trimmed for visibility?

2.      Is lighting adequate?

3.      Do fire escapes provide easy access to windows or doors?

Tip: Install bright lights with motion detectors around the perimeter of your business and always keep a clear view into and out of your establishment by clearing high brushes or trees.

Regarding security with garages, sheds and gates:

1.      Are there properly secured locks?

2.      Are padlocks keyed alike to the main doors?

3.      Are overhead doors adequately secured?

Tip: Unattached buildings on your property should receive the same attention as your main building. Invest in lighting and locks there, too.

How did your company's security measure up?
Even just one "no" to any of the above questions should have you considering Medeco® security products. Isn't your business worth protection.