When businesses are looking to protect their premises, they often consider the impact of equipment, stock and assets being stolen. However, it isn’t the only danger or risk that is out there. In fact, there are several other risks for businesses that need active protection.
About 20% of businesses have suffered an act of vandalism during the lifetime of their business. In addition, the number of commercial squatting incidents is on the rise. This is fuelled by a significant increase in the number of squatters in the UK. In 1995, it was estimated that there were 9,500 squatters in the UK. In 2016, the number of squatters could have been as high as 50,000.
Protecting your business from these crimes is essential. Here are some tips on how to keep your business’s premises secure from these crimes.
1. Perimeter fencing
The first thing you should do is install perimeter fencing around your premises. This is the first deterrent to criminals, and many will be put off by a high-security fence. A fence also protects many objects from being thrown at windows and buildings causing them damage.
To make a fence more secure, you should perhaps consider electric fencing. This is more of a deterrent to criminals and prevents people simply scaling a fence to gain access.
2. Perimeter RADAR
This technology is vital for detecting movement around your premises before any damage can be done. The technology is very sensitive, it can detect someone crawling, or walking near your property from several hundred metres away.
This information can be used so that human security assets can be directed to the potential trouble to become a second deterrent. This can be especially good if you don’t have permanent human security but rather a company that can deploy security when a breach is detected.
3. Security audits
Another important aspect of protecting your business is to continuously run security audits. Without regular audits, you can’t tell when there are gaps in your property’s security, such as a gap in the fencing or a blind spot in your detection system.
Security audits should be carried out and acted upon. Some companies will complete them for you, acknowledge gaps, and then do nothing. However, if you know there are gaps in your security, a criminal is likely to know as well.
These three security elements should help you protect your business better from vandalism and illegal squatters.