Investing in a commercial property comes with risks like theft, vandalism, and fire. To protect your investment, you need a solid security plan. How do you do that?
Securing your building and business is crucial to prevent damage, financial losses, and liabilities. Implementing a comprehensive security plan, including regular maintenance and updates, is one of the key steps to safeguard your assets and ensure the safety of your employees and customers. Thus, protecting your business’s reputation and profitability.
This article will guide you through essential security measures, like access control systems and surveillance cameras, so you can effectively protect your commercial property from intruders and other threats.
With Scout Security’s years of experience helping businesses in various industries, we are confident that we can give your commercial property the protection it needs. We offer professional live video surveillance and on-site security guard services in the Denver Metro and Colorado Springs areas. Contact us now!
15 Proven Commercial Property Security Measures You Should Consider
There are many methods you can use to enhance the safety and security of your commercial building. Knowing how to strategically deploy and use these methods will significantly help in ensuring the effectiveness of your overall security plan:
- Regular Risk Assessments
- Access Control Measures
- Alarm System Installation
- CCTVs & Live Video Surveillance
- On-Site Security Guards
- Employee Safety Training
- Adequate Interior & Exterior Lighting
- Emergency Preparedness Plan
- Fire Safety Measures
- Cybersecurity Measures
- Commercial Property Insurance
- Regular Property Maintenance
- Robust Perimeter Security
- Regular Security Plan Updates
- Safety & Security Regulatory Compliance
#1. Regular Risk Assessments
Start by conducting a comprehensive risk assessment to spot your property’s vulnerabilities.
Understand your property’s security strengths and weaknesses by considering factors like historical crime data, location, and nearby businesses. This will help you create a tailored security strategy that is both effective and efficient, ensuring that you invest in measures where they are most needed.
Moreover, regularly walk your property to identify potential hazards such as loose steps, uneven flooring, or slippery surfaces. This is especially important during winter when risks are elevated to prevent potential liabilities.
#2. Access Control Measures
Implementing access control systems is essential to regulate who enters and exits your property. Methods include using keycard access, biometric systems, physical keys, and virtual concierge systems which you can connect to your surveillance cameras for easier monitoring.
These technologies also help you monitor and control access to sensitive areas like allowing only specific personnel to enter restricted areas. Thus, keeping unauthorized personnel out of your premises while maintaining a log of all access details (i.e. who entered/exited what specific areas in your building and at what time).
To enhance commercial security further, restrict guest access to areas like fitness centers, pools, and conference rooms without staff supervision. This prevents potential accidents, crimes, and liabilities. Consider using temporary badges for visitors, too, and installing electronic credential systems connected to surveillance cameras to track and log all entries and exits.
For additional security, limit the number of entrances to centralize entry points and simplify monitoring.
Also Read: 21 Benefits of Remote Real-Time Video Monitoring for Businesses: A Comprehensive Guide
#3. Alarm System Installation
Install a robust alarm system to provide instant notifications in case of security breaches.
Your options include window and door alarms, motion detectors, and smoke detectors. These systems not only alert you to potential threats but can also notify authorities, ensuring a swift response.
Tip: Implement an integrated alarm solution for comprehensive protection by combining intrusion alarms with fire and smoke detection systems. This will help prevent and minimize damage during critical emergencies.
#4.CCTVs & Live Video Surveillance
Surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras, are crucial for monitoring activities on your premises 24/7 and deterring criminal behavior.
Visible cameras can discourage potential intruders and help in investigating incidents if they occur by providing crucial evidence. Ensure your cameras are covering all high-risk areas such as entrances, lobbies, corridors, elevators, parking lots, and other public zones. Regularly maintain these systems to ensure that they will work when needed.
More importantly, implementing live video monitoring will make your surveillance system more effective in protecting your property from criminal activities. This way, vigilant CCTV operators who are watching live video feeds can spot early signs of suspicious behavior and proactively prevent crimes.
A professional video monitoring security agency, like Scout Security, can help you strategically place cameras throughout your property to eliminate blindspots and maximize coverage.
Also Read: What Is CCTV Monitoring and How Does It Work?
#5. On-Site Security Guards
Employ professional security personnel to patrol your property and respond to incidents swiftly.
Security guards provide a visible deterrent and can quickly address any security concerns since they are already on-site. This can help mitigate damages instead of waiting for the police to respond.
Their responsibilities include the following:
- Access control by screening your visitors
- Conflict management (which is crucial in the hospitality industry)
- Regular rounds around your premises to spot anomalies
- Customer service to enhance overall customer experience
Moreover, combining security guards with CCTV systems will significantly help in eliminating surveillance gaps and response delays. Thus, further minimizing damage and losses.
#6. Employee Safety Training
Well-informed employees can significantly reduce risks and respond effectively during crises.
Train your employees on safety protocols and emergency procedures. This training should cover how to act during emergencies such as fires, floods, and security threats.
Tip: Regular training sessions and drills ensure everyone is prepared and aware of the latest safety practices.
#7. Adequate Interior & Exterior Lighting
Thieves, trespassers, and other criminals love the cover of darkness, so eliminate it to deter their activities.
Brighten up your parking lot, walkways, entrances, and interiors to make it difficult for wrongdoers to hide. Bright lights will also support effective surveillance by helping capture clear footage.
As for indoor lighting, ensure hallways, stairwells, restrooms, and common areas are well-lit. You can install motion sensors in addition to lights in locations that are often unoccupied at night to further reduce hiding spots for criminals.
Tip: Balance Safety and Aesthetics
While ambiance is nice, safety should come first. For instance, outdoor lighting helps pedestrians, reduces tripping hazards, and deters theft and loitering. Regularly replace burnt-out bulbs and consider motion-sensitive lights for added nighttime security.
Also Read: Warehouse Theft Prevention: 19 Best Surveillance Practices
#8. Emergency Preparedness Plan
Develop a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan that covers protocols for fires, natural disasters, and other threats.
As a property manager, it’s important to stay prepared for potential disasters. Create a detailed disaster response and restoration plan, but remember that’s just the start. Regularly update and practice these plans with your team to ensure everyone knows what to do when an emergency strikes.
In addition, train your staff on evacuation procedures, contacting emergency service providers, and the right actions during a physical threat.
A well-coordinated response can minimize risks and prevent further damage.
Tip: Install an Emergency Notification System
Emergency notification systems are essential for immediate communication and response during crises. Equip your property with the following:
- Emergency exit lighting and signs
- Panic buttons
- A public address system
#9. Fire Safety Measures
A reliable fire protection system is crucial for protecting people’s lives and your property from fire damage. In fact, it is typically required by the law for commercial buildings.
Early fire detection gives your employees, tenants, or other building occupants time to evacuate safely. Advanced systems can even alert authorities automatically, ensuring a quicker response and reducing property damage.
Equip your property with smoke detectors, fire alarms, automatic sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers. Combine these tools with a solid emergency evacuation plan and regular drills to minimize harm and damage.
NOTE: Regular maintenance of these systems is crucial to ensure they function correctly when needed and avoid violations, penalties, and liabilities due to negligence.
Also Read: 9 Proven Ways to Prevent Retail Theft With Security Cameras
#10. Cybersecurity Measures
In this digital age, implementing cybersecurity measures is just as important as enhancing physical security.
Implementing comprehensive cybersecurity measures helps safeguard your company’s sensitive information from breaches and cyber-attacks. Protect your business data from cyber threats, including phishing and malware, by installing firewalls, using secure networks, and updating software regularly.
#11. Commercial Property Insurance
Insurance protects you from huge financial losses due to damage and liabilities, helping you recover quickly from any incidents.
Investing in commercial property insurance (e.g. business interruption insurance and general liability insurance) is essential for protecting your business against unforeseen events like fires, floods, or natural disasters. Evaluate the risks specific to your property and choose an insurance plan that covers these potential threats.
#12. Regular Property Maintenance
Maintain your property’s appearance and safety by keeping your premises clean and addressing maintenance issues promptly to deter potential criminals.
A well-maintained property is less likely to attract unwanted visitors as well as helps prevent accidents and liability claims. Regular inspections can help you identify hazards such as the following:
- Loose railings
- Damaged stairs
- Uneven flooring
- Burnt-out lights
- Parking lot hazards
- Damaged access point locks
Thus, ensuring a safe environment for your staff, tenants, and visitors.
Also Read: 19 Effective Retail Loss Prevention Strategies and Best Practices
#13. Robust Perimeter Security
There are various ways you can secure your perimeter to reduce the risk of unauthorized access:
- Installing sturdy gates, fences, and barriers
- Strengthening access points and windows with robust locks, tamper-resistant frames, impact-resistant glass, window bars, and others
- Installing barricades or metal gates for large doors outside
- Using high-grade locks combined with electronic access for interior doors leading to restricted areas
- Using surveillance cameras to monitor entry points and blind spots
- Reminding your tenants or employees to lock up every after business hours
#14. Regular Security Plan Updates
Security threats evolve, and so should your security plan.
Regularly review and update your security measures to address new threats and incorporate the latest technologies. Staying informed about industry best practices and regulatory requirements ensures your security strategy remains effective and compliant.
#15. Safety & Security Regulatory Compliance
Ensure your property complies with all local and national security regulations.
This includes guidelines on access control, emergency preparedness, fire safety, and data privacy. Adhering to these regulations not only protects your property but also helps avoid legal penalties and enhances your reputation as a responsible business owner.
Also Read: Security 101: Types of Commercial Security Systems & How to Choose
Other Key Things to Know About Commercial Building Security
3 Challenges You Should Consider When Implementing Security Measures
When implementing a security plan for your commercial property, consider the following challenges:
#1. Budget Constraints
Installing and maintaining high-quality security systems can be costly, especially for small to medium-sized businesses. This is why we highly recommend working with a professional security firm, like Scout Security, to conduct detailed risk assessments that will help address your specific concerns without overspending.
#2. Evolving Threats & Technologies
The security landscape is constantly evolving. This requires technical knowledge and financial investment to keep your systems updated.
Continuous adaptation is necessary to stay ahead of threats.
#3. Balancing Security with Accessibility
Balancing security and accessibility can be challenging. Tight access controls may inconvenience your staff and visitors, so you should plan thoroughly to create a secure yet welcoming environment that will not damage your reputation.
The Importance and Benefits of Security in Commercial Buildings
While security measures present challenges, the benefits far outweigh the difficulties. So, if you are having second thoughts about investing in adequate security measures for your commercial building, the following benefits might convince you to do so:
#1. Prevention of Unauthorized Access
Access control systems help manage who enters your premises, preventing unauthorized access and documenting any attempts.
#2. Minimizing the Risk of Crimes
Security measures like CCTV, patrols, and alarms help prevent the key problems faced by commercial business owners – theft and vandalism. They not only reduce crime but also provide crucial evidence if incidents occur.
#3. Enhanced Safety of Your Employees and Patrons
Ensuring the safety of your customers, visitors, and employees is essential. A secure environment prevents injuries and crimes, protecting you from costly negligence claims. Surveillance and fire safety measures also help protect your assets and people.
#4. Protection of Your Assets
Through advanced surveillance and preventing unauthorized access, you can save your business from theft and cyberattacks that could put your digital assets and sensitive data at risk.
#5. Legal Compliance & Reduced Liability Claims
Robust security systems are often required for legal and insurance compliance. They prevent fines and litigation.
#6. Improved Reputation and Productivity
A secure atmosphere enhances your business’s reputation and boosts employee morale and productivity by providing a sense of safety.
#7. Reduced Insurance Premiums
Insurance companies often offer better terms when you have strong security measures in place. This is because insurers prefer secure properties due to fewer potential claims.
Also Read:
- 23 Benefits of Outsourcing Video Monitoring and Surveillance Services
- 25 Common Video Surveillance Mistakes to Avoid
Work With Scout Security to Devise a Robust Commercial Security Plan for Your Business
Scout Security specializes in providing effective and targeted security solutions to businesses in the Denver Metro and Colorado Springs areas. Our years of experience in successfully helping commercial property owners protect their businesses from threats guarantees that you will receive the level of security you need. We offer live video surveillance and on-site physical security through private guards and mobile patrollers.
Contact our experts now so we can help you create a comprehensive security plan for your commercial property!
