How to Keep Your Business Secure from Theft

According to Safety.com, 95% of businesses in the US have experienced some type of theft. While many of these incidents can be attributed to “shrink” (customers stealing products off the floor) or monetary theft by employees, it’s always in every business owner’s best interest to have an organized security system to protect their company (and often employees!) from outside burglary. 

As lock and safe experts, in this article we’ll touch on some basic best practices to cover every point of entry to your business and for organizing the distribution of keys/access codes to your employees.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: 

Every business establishment must adhere to strict building codes as defined by your state’s laws. While these suggestions can be applied in most situations, you are still responsible for making sure that your updated security systems are compliant with your specific local laws. We always suggest consulting with a professional commercial locksmith in your area, as they will know the correct safety standards in your state and how to best implement new security solutions for your business. 

In the Omaha metro area? Call us at 402-676-8973 or contact us here for all your commercial lock needs, from master key systems to office safes. 

Safety for Your Business  

Windows 

Most thieves look for the simplest way to enter a building. Windows are an uncommon security risk to consider, but a common target for business burglars. Installing thick, break-resilient glass, repairing or updating the window locks, and checking frequently for repair needs is the best way to prevent break ins through the window. Before considering putting bars over any windows, check if they’re considered a fire exit and adhere to the safety standards for securing a window exit with a physical barrier.

As for doors with windows, we recommend installing double cylinder deadbolts - which require a key to operate the deadbolt from both sides - to reduce the danger of someone breaking in through the window and being able to open the door’s deadbolt from the inside.

Doors 

Your business’s primary exterior doors should be properly installed and have strong hinges that are installed safely inside the door, reinforced strike plates, and bump proof locks. Deadbolts are always a trusted go-to for businesses reinforcing their exterior doors, as they’re resistant to most picking or forced entry methods. Remember: most insurance companies need proof of forced entry, so if someone is going to try robbing you - make sure it’s a tough job!

Because your exterior doors will have lots of traffic going in and out, you’ll need to have them inspected regularly by a professional commercial locksmith. A good way to extend the life of your doors is to “dog” them down during open hours. Dogging down a door means keeping the door free-swinging by depressing the locking mechanisms in the open position. This way, all the intricate internal pieces that close/lock your door get a break while your business is open and customers are moving in and out frequently. 

Overall, pay attention to the health of your doors. If they’re slamming shut or the locks are getting stuck frequently and you have to jam your keys in, call a locksmith service immediately. These small daily damages add up quickly, and if you put off fixing them, one day it could leave your business wide open to a break-in through a damaged door. In general, to keep your points of entry maintained, you want to keep your doors and locks dry, clean, and lubricated. 

Side Doors

While your main entrance has the most traffic, your side doors are often the target for burglars. Often placed near dark alleys or backsides of buildings, your side doors, service doors, or garage doors need just as much security as your business front. Consider placing extra security measures around this point of entry, like flood lights and using a different key/key code from your main door. 

Also, be sure to talk with your employees about using the side door. For example, many restaurant employees take their breaks in the space next to the company’s side door, so discuss expectations around staying nearby while the door is propped open and ensuring that it's secure when they come back inside. 

Safety for Your Employees 

Most business owners have established policies about which employees have access to keys and keycodes, typically starting at the management level. However, these policies can get complicated for a growing business or for a larger business that’s adopting a new security system, so having a commercial locksmith professional come in to consult on any new security structure is always worth the investment. 

Master Key System 

Typically, your employee managers will have certain keys depending on their role and rank in your company. Be sure you have a defined master key system to keep track of which employees have keys and to prevent accidental lockouts if an employee loses one of the keys. Below is a simple diagram from GV Lock illustrating how this master key system can look like:

If your business utilizes contractors or an outside cleaning service, you’ll also have to consider them in your master key planning. Duplicating a sub key typically works for these types of employees, but be sure to keep close track of exactly who has which key and what they have access to. 

Employee Access Code System 

In addition to a master key system for exterior doors, most businesses have an electronic security system that requires a manager to enter a code when the business opens or closes for the day. Having a system of unique employee access codes at both external and internal doors can help you keep track of who opened which door and when, reducing the likelihood that an outsider could gain access to your business or an important area.

Additional Tips for Employee Safety Best Practices

Especially for retail or food industry businesses, implement a standard that at least two people - including a manager - must always be present when your business is opened and closed. This not only prioritizes your employee’s safety on the premises, but reduces the likelihood of employee theft and improper lockup procedures.

Also, rekey all your locks and update access codes on a relatively regular basis. This basic action covers any incidents when ex-employees don’t return their keys (or makes a spare!) or shares their access code with an outside party.

Other Security Suggestions for Your Business

Install Security Cameras 

Security cameras are a great option because they allow you to monitor the activity in your store, both inside and outside, deterring shoplifters, vandals, and employee theft. Install the security cameras in strategic places, such as near the front door, near the cash register, and facing the parking lot of your building.

Invest in a Safe

If a burglar were to break in despite your security measures, you want to make accessing cash or other valuables still as hard as possible. A cash drop safe, electronic safe, or even a traditional combination safe are all great options for storing important items in your business’s locked office. This goes doubly for businesses that dog down their doors during business hours, as it makes sure that no unauthorized person can sneak into your back rooms and get ahold of your important documents or cash. You want to make every opportunity for a burglary as difficult and time consuming as possible!

Hire a Commercial Locksmith Now!

Don’t wait until your business has an emergency to hire a locksmith! Expert locksmiths can ensure that your business’s safety systems are up to code and can anticipate security issues before they happen. If you’re in the Omaha metro area, call us at 402-676-8973 or contact us here for all your commercial lock needs.