Commercial Burglary Prevention During the Holidays

Some businesses close for the holidays. It's important to make sure your business is as resistant to crime as it is reasonable to do during your absence.

Physical security constitutes 90% of burglary prevention. If your building is locked and unauthorized entry is made difficult, time-consuming and conspicuous, chances of successful commercial or business burglary are minimized. The following recommendations will help prevent burglaries.

* Locks on all outside entrances and inside security doors should be double-cylinder deadbolts with movable collars.

* Padlocks should be made of hardened steel and mounted on bolted hasps. Keep them locked.

* Entry doors should be solid, metal lined and secured with heavy metal crossbars.

* Door jams must be solid. Exposed hinges should be pinned to prevent removal.

* Windows should have secure locks and burglary-resistant glass.

* Good visibility should be maintained through windows; expensive items should be removed from displays before closing. Remove posters from the front glass of windows and doors facing the street.

* Lighting must provide optimum visibility inside and out, with vandal-proof covers over the outside lights and power source.

* The perimeter should be well-lit, especially around entry points.

* Alarm systems should be from a licensed alarm company with a central monitoring station. Check the system on a daily basis. Advertise its presence to deter break-ins.

* The cash register should be in plain view and leave the drawer open to show that it is empty.

* Safes should be fireproof, burglar resistant and anchored securely. Limit who has access to the code. Change it when there are changes in personnel.

* Maintain good visibility. Landscaping, boxes, and trash bins near the building can give a criminal cover or access to the roof.

* Check your building exterior (roof, cellar, walls, etc) and secure all openings larger than 12x12.

* Perimeter fences should keep intruders out and allow good visibility of your business by neighbors and police. Alarms on fences can give you additional protection. Guard dogs inside fences are also effective in deterring unauthorized entry.

* Your NC Driver's License number or a unique personal identification number should be engraved on enticing objects.

* Keep accurate records of serial numbers on all items to help in recovery.

* Tightly anchor all equipment/merchandise to a secure base to delay the efforts of a burglar.

* A closing security check should include the entire interior of your business so that you do not lock an aspiring burglar inside. Check the exterior to make sure that there have been no security breaches.

* Ensure you have updated video security equipment and you know how to use it.