Ensuring the security of your business premises after hours is a critical concern for any business owner. Unprotected properties can become targets for theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities, leading to financial losses and operational disruptions. So what can be done to secure a business premises after hours? Well, by adopting a proactive approach and utilising modern technologies, you can safeguard your business assets and maintain peace of mind. Keep reading as we outline the key tips and technologies to secure your premises effectively after hours.
Securing your business premises should never be overlooked. Many businesses store valuable equipment, inventory, and sensitive information on-site, and they are often attractive targets for criminal activity. In fact, in the past year alone, 26% of businesses in England and Wales have fallen victim to crime.
Being a victim of crime also holds ongoing losses for a business. As well as financial loss, breaches in security can damage your business’s reputation and cause operational delays. Therefore, implementing a robust security plan is not just a precaution but an essential aspect of risk management and prevention.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems are a cornerstone of modern security strategies. They offer continuous monitoring, act as a deterrent, and provide evidence in case of incidents. Benefits include:
Make sure to regularly maintain and test your CCTV systems to ensure they’re functioning optimally. Alternatively, maximise the potential of your systems with 24-hour remote monitoring to provide constant surveillance.
Restricting and monitoring access to your premises is vital for after-hours security and prevents any unauthroised individuals.
Access control utilises electronic locks and keycards to manage who can enter specific areas, providing greater control to business owners and site managers over who can and can’t be on-site at certain times. Biometric systems (fingerprint or facial recognition) can also be implemented into an access control system, which are incredibly effective for high-security zones. Additionally, digital logs can be used to track entry and exit times for audit purposes.
Businesses should always remember to update access permissions promptly when employees leave the company or change roles to prevent a security breach.
Alarm systems are a primary defence mechanism against unauthorised access and utilising one with remote alerts is the best option for securing business premises after hours.
Immediate alerts will be sent to designated personnel or security companies who can deal with the incident in rapid time increasing the chance of stopping the criminal. Many alarm systems with remote alerts also integrate with mobile apps for real-time notifications and there are also technologies that allow for silent alarms to avoid alerting intruders.
A key tip is to opt for alarms with redundancy, such as battery backups and dual-network connectivity, to ensure they work during power outages.
Proper lighting is a simple yet effective deterrent for criminal activities and their use during after hours can be significant. We recommend motion-activated lights for unexpected illumination or key areas, as well as consistent lighting in car parks, entrances, and pathways.
Make sure to maximise the potential of your security lighting by conducting regular checks to replace burnt-out bulbs and clean fixtures to maximise their effectiveness.
Securing the perimeter of your premises is the first line of defence when it comes to securing business premises after hours. Physical barriers shouldn’t be overlooked, no matter how much technology is implemented, with fencing and gates with electronic locking mechanisms still standing the test of time. Barriers, bollards, and spikes are effective in restricting vehicle access and there is an argument for still having physical security guards or patrol services for physical monitoring in place. An alternative option for on-site security guards is a remote patrol service that is carried out by the premises’ CCTV system via a remote monitoring facility.
Combining physical barriers with surveillance technologies is a fail-safe way to ensure comprehensive coverage of a premises, especially after-hours.
Smart technologies can streamline security management and enhance efficiency. For example, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, like smartphones, can be used to monitor doors, windows, and motion detectors, allowing for greater control remotely during out of hours. A centralised dashboard is used for controlling a site’s smart security systems from a single interface and predictive analytics can be utilised to identify potential vulnerabilities or patterns of concern.
Routine assessments are essential to identify and address vulnerabilities. A risk assessment and security audit are key in identifying issues, all of which can change throughout the year, based on weather, season or changes to your physical site or business environment or operations.
A security audit will evaluate existing security measures against current threats and will act to update protocols based on emerging risks or technological advancements. Part of this will include training your staff to recognise and respond to security breaches effectively.
Preparation is key to minimising damage during and after a security breach out of hours. Having clear protocols in place for reporting and responding to security incidents is key and having pre-defined roles and responsibilities for employees and security personnel, so it is clear who is responsible for what during an incident.
You may want to collaborate with local law enforcement and emergency services, depending on the size of your business and the industry it operates in.
It’s recommended to regularly review and practice your response plan through simulated drills, as, as they say “fail to prepare, prepare to fail”.
If you want to ensure effective, high-quality security for your business premises, especially out-of-hours, then partnering with a professional security provider, like BusinessWatch is essential. Ensure your premises is protected by the very best available solutions and latest security technologies, as well as receiving customised solutions that are tailored to your business needs.
Securing your business premises after hours requires a strategic approach that combines advanced technology with practical measures. By implementing the tips and leveraging the technologies outlined above, you can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and protect your business assets.
At BusinessWatch, we specialise in providing tailored security solutions to meet the unique needs of businesses. From CCTV and access control systems to 24/7 monitoring services, we’re here to help you safeguard your premises.
Enquire now to learn more about how our expert team can enhance your business’s security and provide peace of mind around the clock.
