Ways to Limit Crimes on Commercial Properties
As a commercial property manager, one of your main responsibilities is to limit crime. Ensuring your commercial property is secure, whether it is by cameras, a security guard or an elaborate security system, is imperative to any business. Some of the items that we’ll cover are obvious, but there are some ways to limit crimes on commercial properties that you may not be aware of.
Cameras – Cameras can not only limit crimes on commercial property by their presence alone, but also provide footage that can be used once a crime has been committed. Cameras are a no brainer, and should be installed on your commercial property to limit crime if they aren’t already.
Inventory – Keeping an accurate inventory system will limit crimes on commercial property because it helps keeps track of items, as well as deters employees from stealing because they’ll know that someone will notice if an item is missing. A lackadaisical attitude towards keeping inventory means you’re less likely to realize if something is gone.
Secure Entrances – Securing the entrances should be a no brainer when it comes to limiting crimes on commercial property. Does each door have a deadbolt? If the answer is no, you need to invest in one for every entrance. Also, you may want to consider having secure access at entrances, either via badges or key cards. If an employee leaves the company, make sure you revoke their access immediately.
Alarm System – If there is a breach at your commercial property, you must be equipped to be notified accordingly. Once a crime is committed, the faster you take action, the better off you will be. Don’t wait until you arrive in the morning to find out a crime has been committed.
Employee Training – Does your staff have the skills necessary to limit crime on your commercial property? Do they know how to identify shoplifting? Having well trained employees will prevent crime. Employees are also likely to commit theft so make sure there is a zero tolerance policy for theft and that all employees are aware of it. Training may include…
- Reporting suspicious activity
- Greeting every customer as they walk in, as criminals will be deterred by personal contact
- Techniques for identifying shoplifters
Accounting – How much cash do you keep on property? Make frequent trips to the bank and never carry too much cash. Your money belongs to you so don’t let it get into the pockets of someone who hasn’t earned it. This also includes keeping accurate banking records as every dollar needs to be accounted for.
Now that you’re aware how to limit crime on commercial properties, it’s important to implement these procedures as effectively as possible. Safeguarding your business should be your number one priority. If security is important to you, which it should be, you should seek professional assistance. The investment you make in security will undoubtedly pay off.
Click here if you’d like more information on how to limit crimes on commercial properties or call an ORNA Security specialist today at 305.945.0222.
