Business security

A British Chamber of Commerce survey has revealed that 80% of organisations believe that crime against businesses is a problem in their area and has estimated that crime against business costs the UK £12.6 billion. With crime continuing to be a preoccupation for businesses across the UK, companies should look again at basic security measures.

Consider the following tips, when reviewing your business' security:

• Physical security measures are the very backbone of your business' security. Ensure you fit good quality five-lever mortise locks to your doors. Fit locks to your windows, especially those that are on the ground floor or are accessible, for example, from a flat roof. Remember that any outbuildings will also need a quality lock in order to protect their contents.

• Doors should be strong and in good condition, ensure that you fit a door that complies with British Standard PAS 24-1 'Doors of Enhanced Security'.

• Fencing and gates should be substantial and well-maintained, with locks fitted on entrances to a property. Consider the installation of bollards or barriers on the entrances to car parks to prevent unauthorised vehicular access out of hours.

• Security lighting can deter a thief from trespassing onto a premises and can draw attention to an incident if a crime is taking place. Ensure any lighting fitted complies with the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act and does not have an adverse effect on neighbouring properties.

• A monitored intruder alarm will make a real impact on deterring a criminal from entering a property and alert a monitoring centre if an alarm is triggered. Your BSIA installer will advise you as to which system best meets your needs. Alarms should meet the European Standard for intruder alarms, EN50131-1, and should be maintained on a regular basis.

• Simple access control systems can be fitted to prevent access to unauthorised areas, protecting storage areas and staff or office facilities.

• CCTV systems are an effective means of detecting and preventing crime and offer the opportunity to gather evidence if a crime is committed. For smaller businesses, one or two cameras may be sufficient. Your professional CCTV installer will advise as to the best system for you and where the cameras should be situated.

• Consider the use of a professional security guarding service. For smaller businesses, it may be appropriate to share such a service with neighbouring companies. Security officers must be licensed by the Security Industry Authority and quality companies will belong to the BSIA.

• Ensure that any equipment is marked with an asset marking system and registered on a secure database. Property marking can deter opportunist theft and also means that if a burglary does take place and your possessions are recovered, they can be returned to you.

• Remember to guard against the risks of identity theft. By using a professional information destruction company to dispose of any confidential material, you will protect your business and your customers against the risk of identity theft and will fulfil your obligations under the Data Protection Act.
  

• A professional security consultancy will advise you on all aspects of your business' security and the risks your business faces.

One of the most important factors when considering your business' security is ensuring that all your security measures have been sourced from professional companies that provide quality products and services. Details of BSIA member companies that comply with relevant British and European Standards can be found by clicking here.