Whether businesses are shutting up shop for several weeks, or just a few days, they need to plan carefully before leaving their premises empty over the break. Opportunistic thieves understand all too well that this is a time when many small practices are deserted and, rightly or wrongly, some will assume that smaller firms have less sophisticated security systems in place.
To avoid falling prey to opportunistic thieves, small businesses should start thinking now about how they’ll secure their premises to make it less of a target. Consider the following timeline and tips to help plan for a stress-free Christmas break.
Two months before Christmas
Review security systems
Businesses who don’t already have a security system in place should start thinking about this now, especially if they want one that’s professionally installed and monitored. Some security companies can arrange for an expert to visit their premises to assess the layout and discuss their business requirements before tailoring a system that best suits their needs and budget.
The added benefit of using a professional service provider is that the alarm is monitored by a monitoring centre 24 hours a day, even over Christmas and New Year. In the event the alarm is triggered, the monitoring centre will contact the business owner or their nominated representative immediately. They can also send a patrol car to the premises to assess the situation further.
One month before Christmas
Check all doors, locks, sensor lights and smoke alarms are working
This is the time to check that all doors, gates, sensor lights and locks are working correctly. Also make sure smoke alarms are operating and consider integrating them into the security system so they can be monitored by a security centre, who will send alerts to the business owner if fire or smoke is detected.
Consider security upgrades
Firms who already have a security system in place may want to consider upgrading it to ensure they’re benefitting from the latest technology. One example is an Integrated Security System which would allows customers to remotely control the alarm system, lights and connected equipment using a mobile app.
One week before Christmas
Protect cash and valuables
If possible, remove any cash and valuables from the premises or, at the very least, make sure valuables are not on display through ground floor windows and entryways. Maintaining well-lit premises through a combination of sensor lights around the perimeter, and automated lighting inside, are further powerful deterrents. If the office is going to be closed for an extended period, always try to give the impression that staff may still be inside even though the office is closed to the general public.
Contact the security provider
It’s a good idea at this stage for business owners to contact their security provider, making sure they have current emergency contact information.
Make a final checklist
It may be helpful in this last week to create a checklist of everything that needs to be done on the final day before the business closes. Determine who will be the last person to leave the premises that day (ideally a senior staff member) and ensure they understand the correct procedure, including locking up doors and windows and turning off unnecessary services. Ask them to do a final check of the perimeter and arm the alarm.
If business owners are well prepared and start planning for the Christmas season early, they’ll be able to enjoy their hard-earned break, safe in the knowledge that the office is secure and they’ve done all they can to prevent it from being a target for thieves.
Darryn Bull, ADT Security
