Is Your Business An Easy Target? How You Can Deter Criminal Activity.
The type of business you run may impact how susceptible you are to theft, but at the end of the day, several factors can cause your business to seem more appealing to thieves than other businesses. When deciding on a target, thieves will often weigh the risk versus the reward of the business. A company that naturally has a higher reward (something valuable and worth stealing) and has a low risk (a lower chance of the thief getting caught) is going to be the most likely victim. While you may not be able to change the reward incentive, you can increase the risk of thieves getting caught and use this as a deterrent.
What Criminals Look For When Choosing A Target
Lots Of Available Cash On The Premises
There’s not much point in robbing places that don’t have anything worthwhile to rob. Establishments that don’t carry much cash tend not to be targeted often, but businesses that are known to have cash on hand are popular marks. Banks, pawnshops, liquor stores, grocery stores, and medium-sized businesses are all known places to have lots of cash on hand and become obvious targets for criminals. Some businesses switch to accepting only credit and debit cards as a deterrent for thieves, but this is not possible for every type of business.
Valuables That Are Easy To Grab
While heist movies and cartoons about mystery-solving teens might have the general public believing that criminals love going after jewelry, there are actually much more common goods that are more likely to be stolen. Criminals don’t only want to steal high-priced goods, but also ones that are easy to grab, transport, and resell or use. Some of the most common targets include liquor, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Not only are these goods easy to slip into a bag or pocket, but they can also be highly valuable.
Businesses That Stay Open Late
When a business is open late at night there are fewer people in the vicinity to witness a crime and report it. There are also often fewer employees working the late shifts and fewer customers around. All of these factors give the criminal confidence that they won’t get caught.
How To Deter Criminals
Commercial Security Systems
Installing a commercial security system does more than catch criminals in the act, it is also a deterrent. Some commercial alarm systems will notify authorities and set off an alarm if a door is opened without a key or if a window is broken, and this will often scare away criminals before they get a chance to take anything. Other commercial security systems come with security cameras, which are a deterrent for criminal activities before any damage is done to the property. A thief is far less likely to strike a business with a security camera than one without. When security cameras are installed, they should be highly visible so thieves know they will be caught on tape.
Live Surveillance
Security systems that come with 24 hour live surveillance are an excellent deterrent. A trained professional will monitor the security footage in real time and use 2 way audio if a suspicious person is lurking near the door or attempting to break in. Hearing a booming “LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY” will scare away any intruders before they can commit any illegal acts. The security worker who is monitoring your feed can also immediately notify authorities if there are any security threats.
Lighting
Bright lighting or motion-activated lighting outside your business make it difficult for thieves to hide in the shadows. This makes it much harder for them to get to the entrance undetected. If the commercial space you are trying to keep safe is a construction site, the opposite is true. If a construction space is not lit, it is much harder to navigate at night and can slow down thieves as they try to flee. A dark construction site can be a deterrent if criminals think they might get injured trying to get around the site in the dark.
Keyless Entry
Electronic door locking systems, especially ones that are programmed to let specific people in using individual passcodes or personalized key fobs, are far more secure than regular locks. A normal key lock can be picked or duplicate keys can be made. With a key fob or customized passcode, it is much harder for a thief to enter the building.
Keep Your Calgary Business Safe With A Commercial Security System
One of the best ways to deter criminal activity is by installing a high-quality commercial security system from Frontline Security. Commercial alarm systems not only help to catch criminals in the act, but they also actively deter theft. At Frontline Security in Calgary, our security experts will complete a thorough walk-through that determines all potential entry points a thief may try to use and we will create a customized security system plan. This individualized commercial alarm system will protect your facility's needs while ensuring employee and customer safety. To reduce your losses and keep your Calgary business safe, contact Frontline Security at 1-403-291-9311 or fill out the contact form.
FAQ
Frontline Security offers free quotes that are calculated using our accurate quoting system. Our clients never pay more than they are quoted, with no hidden fees or extra costs.
When it comes to what you can use your commercial access control system for, the possibilities include:
- Keyless entry
- Keeping track of employees (audit trail)
- Elevator access
- Denying access to unwanted visitors
- Restricting specific areas of your property to employees or tenants
- Restricting access to your commercial property at specific times
- Remotely allowing access to employees, tenants, or contractors via your smartphone
- Intercoms
- Gas pumps
Don't see the system you're looking for? Contact our team to learn more about how we can best serve you.
Many insurance companies offer adjusted rates for businesses with security systems that are installed and/or monitored by recognized security specialists. And in addition to those savings, you are less likely to experience the costs associated with inventory loss and fraud.
Your First Line of Defence
In a world of ever-increasing threats, you need a security company you can count on. We’re that company. Our Calgary-based full-service security company specializes in commercial security solutions, providing large-scale properties and facilities with the protection they need to guard their valuable assets. We also provide residential alarm and video surveillance systems, giving homeowners the peace of mind they need to sleep soundly at night.
If it’s important to you, it’s important to us. Put us on the frontline and rest easy knowing you’re properly defended.
Get the Peace of Mind You Deserve
You’ve worked hard to build your business or buy your home. Now it’s time to protect them properly and give yourself the peace of mind you deserve. Our full-service security solutions can give whatever matters most to you the 360° protection it needs. Contact us today by calling (403) 291-9311 or by filling out the form below and put us on your frontline.
