Commercial (Business) Burglary

Ninety per cent of burglary prevention is physicalCheck the alarm system on a daily basis, and
security. If your complex is locked up andadvertise its presence to deter break-ins.
unauthorized entry is made difficult, timeCASH REGISTER should be kept in plain view
consuming, noisy and visible, chances of afrom outside the building so it can be easily
successful burglary are kept to a minimum. Themonitored and should be left open when empty
burglar will pass up your business and look for anand not in use.
easier target.SAFE should be fire proof, burglar resistant,
PREVENTIONanchored securely and in plain view. Leave it open
LOCKS on all outside entrances and inside securitywhen it is empty, and use it to lock up valuables
doors should be double cylinder deadbolts withwhen business is closed. Change the combination
moveable collars. The deadbolt should have atwhenever someone with access to it leaves your
least one inch throw containing a hardened steelemployment.
insert and protected by a latch guard.BUILDING EXTERIOR should be checked including
PADLOCKS should be of hardened steel, mountedthe roof, cellar and walls. Secure all openings.
on bolted hasps and always locked to preventMAINTAIN GOOD VISIBILITY by not allowing
exchange. Serial numbers should be filed off tolandscaping, boxes, trash bins, vehicles or
prevent new keys from being made.equipment near building where they might provide
DOORS (all outside or security doors) should beconcealment or access to the roof.
of solid construction, metal lined and secured withPERIMETER FENCES need to be adequate enough
heavy metal crossbars. Jams around doors mustto keep intruders out, and at the same time allow
be solid. All exposed hinges should be pinned togood visibility of your business by neighbors and
prevent removal.police (i.e. vertical iron bar fence or 1/8 inch mesh
WINDOWS should have secure locks.vinyl coated chain link).
Burglar-resistant glass treatments are alsoKEY CONTROL should be done in a responsible
recommended. An example would be themanner. A master key system where one key
installation of polyester security film. However, thisopens all locks may be convenient, but it may not
must be used in conjunction with the alarm's glassbe the best for security. Code all keys, keep
break sensor. Heavy metal grates may be usedthem locked up when not in use, and do not allow
on windows of high vulnerability (such as rearemployees to leave them lying around or make
windows). Check with the Fire Marshall for safetyduplicates. Change locks whenever you suspect
requirements.key security has been jeopardized.
LIGHTS must provide optimum visibility, bothID NUMBERS should be marked on all equipment
inside and out, with those outside havingand stickers (such as Operation ID) should be
vandal-proof covers over the lights and powerdisplayed to make this plainly evident to would-be
source. Entire perimeter must be well lit, especiallythieves. The best number to use is your personal
the area around doors and other possible entryFlorida driver's license number. Also keeping a
points.record of serial numbers on all equipment may
ALARM SYSTEM should be supplied by a licensedhelp in recovery.
alarm company with a central monitoring station.