How to make your property safer
Whether you run a business and want to make your commercial property safer against break-ins or are looking for ways to add an extra layer of protection to your home, today’s modern security systems have made it harder than ever for unwanted intruders to access your precious belongings.
A recent survey found there were almost 300,000 residential burglaries in the 12 months leading up to March 2019 - while that figure was closer to 103,000 for commercial properties in 2018. The risks from crime and break-ins are real - both from a business and personal perspective - so it makes good sense to ensure your property is adequately protected.
Steps you can take today to help protect your home or business premises
With today’s vastly improved technology and gadgets, it’s now much easier to help protect your home or office from unwanted intrusion. If you’re looking for ways to increase your security, below are just a few tips you should try.
Fit automated security lighting: While there is a commonly-held misconception that break-ins only occur at night, it is still true that burglars tend to favour the cover of darkness over attempting access in broad daylight. By fitting automated security lighting, you’ll make a would-be burglar think twice about breaking in.
Use access control systems: Business premises can be particularly prone to break-ins - especially if they’re located out of town or in the more modern business estates that have become so common in recent years. By using an access control system, you’ll be able to limit the potential for intruders - plus will also be able to control access to areas containing sensitive or valuable equipment, files, etc.
Add an alarm system: It should go without saying but adding an alarm system is one of the easiest, simplest and most affordable ways to protect a building.
Add sensors to doors and windows: Tied to the above point regarding fitting an alarm, you should do a full audit of your premises, thinking primarily about potential weak areas where a burglar might gain access. Fitting sensors to doors and windows in these places will give you added protection and will also help deter potential burglars.
Add security cameras: Sadly, a high percentage of break-ins are never solved - but by adding security CCTV cameras, you’ll increase the chances that the perpetrators are caught. Being able to show video evidence to the authorities makes it far more likely that they’ll catch the burglar further down the line.
Display signs showing the preventative measures you’ve taken: There’s little point in taking all the above steps if you then don’t make it obvious they’re in place. Fitting signs from your alarm company, sensor supplier or lighting system manufacturer will reduce the chance of break-ins.
Fit a peephole to your door and never open to strangers: You should fit a peephole to your front door, so you can see who’s there before answering. If you don’t recognise someone calling at your door, don’t answer them. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
