Businesses should prioritise safety – Servest

Servest Security noted that there is a spike in armed robberies over the holiday season as consumers tend to indulge.

Here are some areas to check or reinforce:

Lighting:

Be sure to light up all points of entry, including the roof. Good lighting eliminates shadows, which burglars use for cover. Consider motion sensor lights or floodlights and leave lights on inside, just as you would do at home.

Locks:

You want the very best locks to secure doors, windows, skylights and other openings. Change locks regularly and use deadbolts where you can. Of course, no lock is completely burglar-proof, but the longer criminals struggle to get in, the longer you have to take action.

Windows and doors:

Check for signs of any structural weakness – criminals think nothing of lifting a security gate or forcing open burglar bars with a crowbar. Window frames shouldn’t be loose, and window glass should offer good visibility during the day so that your employees can see if someone is skulking around outside.

In areas where you keep cash or valuable stock, cover windows with burglar-resistant glass, bars or wire mesh. Keep your expensive merchandise away from the windows – toward the centre of your store.

Parking lot:

You will want to keep your customers safe when they’re walking to their cars, so ensure suitable lighting and CCTV cameras are installed. If necessary – ensure extra security patrols over the holiday season.

Alarm system:

Inspect your alarm system and educate your staff on the proper use of the system – where panic buttons are located, how to arm the alarm when they leave, and important phone numbers to know. Post warnings in clear view that your business is being monitored 24/7.

Protect your business from flooding and bad weather: In some parts of the country, December is a very wet month so to avoid damages from hail or flooding, regularly clear all gutters and stormwater drains. Protect valuable machinery and stock by raising it off the floor, unplugging machines when not in use, and investing in sandbags to put in front of door openings.

Prevent fires:

When everyone is on leave, boxes and packaging materials may pile up and create a fire risk. Remind staff to keep exits clear. Install a smoke alarm and be sure to have plenty of working fire extinguishers on hand.
Security doesn’t take a holiday: Create a safe and secure environment for your business.