When you’re considering how to secure your business, you have to think about what kind of crimes it is likely to be targeted by. For instance, most businesses have some kind of digital scope and online presence, so a level of digital security is typically vital. However, some businesses have a lot more in terms of tangible worth that is just as necessary to protect, as well. Here, we’re going to look at the prospect of theft, and how you can work to prevent and mitigate it, whether you’re running a retail business, warehouse, office, or otherwise.

Securing the environment

The first thing that most business owners will do is look at the security technologies they can implement to ensure that they’re protected. There are two you might want to consider first. First is the alarm system, which can use sensors to identify when someone is present without authorization, especially when the premises is otherwise empty, and sound an alarm. Some will even alert emergency services. Alarm systems can be placed anywhere on the premises, and typically they are placed on the boundaries of the premises, but you might also want some sensors where you keep your most valuable assets.

Watching over key areas

The second technology that most business owners invest in for the sake of their security is the CCTV systems that have become synonymous with security and surveillance. These are typically placed in positions where someone is most likely to break in, but also in areas where vital inventory and assets are placed. Not only can they record any intrusions on your property, but they also act as a deterrent, as they’re a visual indicator that someone trespassing or otherwise doing what they shouldn’t is a lot more likely to be caught.

Preventing access

Security technologies exist to help deter, but also to identify and bring attention to crime when it is happening. Of course, most business owners want to prevent crime from happening entirely, rather than just mitigate it. That’s not always possible, but you can certainly make it a lot harder for criminals to access your property. For the building itself, reinforced and locked doors and windows are always worth investing in, but you might also want to consider commercial fences, especially those that have extra security features like barbed wire. After all, you might have some assets, like vehicles or machinery, that you keep outdoors that you want to keep safe, too.

Keeping someone on watch

Not every aspect of security is best handled by installing and relying on the right systems. When the level of risk is high enough, or the potential losses are just too great, then you might want to rely on human judgment and attention. To that end, there are security teams that you can hire to look after your premises. If you need security on a long-term basis, however, then you may want to create an internal security team, as outsourcing it will eventually get a lot less cost-effective, the longer you have to do it.

Managing your inventory

If your inventory is the thing that is at risk of being stolen, then you have to consider where it is often stolen from. On the shop floor, security cameras, alarms, and security guards are the best means to prevent and deter theft. However, internal theft, also known as employee theft, is also a significant threat. As such, you should have inventory management systems that indicate not just where your inventory is kept, but the people who have access to those locations, and even when they last accessed the inventory. That way, if something goes missing, you could be able to narrow the suspects to more easily find the culprit.

Know your team

Employee theft is a fact of life. Sometimes, your team is going to have someone who might be tempted to steal. You can’t always predict it, but with employee background checks, you can certainly lower the chances of it happening to you. Background checks can give you an idea of why potential employees have previously been fired, or any criminal history they might have. Avoiding those with a history of theft is a simple means of security for most business owners.

The above tips should give you an idea of the crucial aspects of security you should be investing in to prevent theft. For more detailed ideas, it might be time to carry out a risk assessment and to focus on sealing the gaps in your security.