Protect Your Property from Theft

Preventing theft entirely with 100% certainty is practically impossible but it is not impossible to take measures to protect your property. It is cruel that you are proactive in your preventative measures to protect your possessions from property theft. Property theft is much more common than most people assume and has only increased in frequency.

Property Theft Exposure

How are you managing theft exposure to protect your business property? Your business property protection must be a top priority. Here are some methods to safeguard your business property from thieves.

Entry Protection

Improve your likelihood of preventing unauthorized individuals from entering by locking the doors and installing loud alarms that are audible from outside. It acts as a significant deterrent to burglars and notifies those nearby. You can do this for windows as well. It is also wise to use motion sensors on all the entry places once you close. Consider how you can tie it to your monitoring systems as well. Make sure you comply with local alarm system types laws and regulations. Use locks and bolts that help prevent thieves from lock picking the doors. External and security doors should be equipped with deadbolts to prevent forced entry. Steel frames are best to reduce the likelihood of damage.

A Safe Location

If you have not yet established a physical location for your business or are considering relocating, you will want to be wise about where you decide to locate. Be sure to check out the new area carefully. Are there frequent instances of theft through local law enforcement? Does your current or new property have anti-theft measures set in place? Other helpful security measures include:

• Barred windows with cold-rolled steel
• Theft-resistant glass
• Security cameras
• Private security and protection
• Steel roll-up doors
• Chain-link Fencing for outdoors
• Barbed wire

The best security measures to employ will depend on the type of establishment you have. Additionally, it also depends on the location. Regardless, protecting your property from theft is well worth the investment.

Security Cameras and Remote Monitoring

Adding security cameras is a smart way to protect equipment from theft. Install as many monitoring devices as possible, angled to show who is entering and exiting your property. Place one at the front door that captures where everyone goes in and out. Then, add another on any other entrance, such as the back door and emergency exit. You can also place another on accessible escape areas like low windows and the side regions of the property. High-value spaces such as data centers, finance offices, and vaults should have their own security cameras. You can never have too many monitoring devices, but strategic placement is critical.

Be Cautious of Insider Theft

Employee dishonesty and theft occur all too often when least expected. It is best to enforce strict accounting control techniques and ensure employees know you're watching. Doing frequent audits and inventory controls helps as well. When you have policies that enable your employees to report any thievery in complete anonymity, you may be able to bring light to a situation. You can emphasize to your employees how much you value honesty and loyalty by using performance standards to increase morale. You might see improvements when you reward good service and hard work. Be sure to monitor and secure crucial business areas, such as where financial exchanges happen.

Be Vigilant and Proactive

Hopefully, you and your fellow nearby businesses have or will establish a relationship to have each other's back. You can join a neighborhood watch group in your area and get involved with volunteer work and local anti-theft education. You and the neighboring businesses should know the standard protocol when you notice something is awry. Also, when you know the locals, you will therefore know if someone new sticks out. Staying involved and informed with local events can undoubtedly come in handy. Installing bright lights can help make your business less of an easy target for burglars. Using silent panic buttons to help notify law enforcement is another method that some companies have started doing. These silent alarms can help de-escalate a situation much quicker. Sometimes, theft will occur regardless of how well you have protected your business property, which is why business interruption insurance is so important. Before anything happens, be sure to have coverage for the worst-case scenario. Your business is your investment, so protecting the property from those wanting to steal is vital to the business's success.

About David G. Sayles Insurance Services

At David G. Sayles Insurance Services, we help our clients decide which of these options is best for them based on their current situation and risk factors. Contact us at 1-855-977-1842 or insureme@dsayles.mysites.io for a consultation!