Burglar Proof Your Business

By Janie Pritchett-Clark

We asked Jim Dixon of Arkansas Security for common sense ways to keep your business safe.  “Every business is vulnerable to some degree,” says Dixon.  Arkansas Security, based in Northwest Arkansas, has been in business for over 15 years. The company is an authorized ADT dealer, the largest security systems company in the world, and the choice for more 90% of the America’s Fortune 500.

What are 5 common sense ways to prevent break-ins?

1. Adequate lighting. When you close our doors at night it shouldn’t look like an open invitation, says Dixon. A darkened business is a haven for burglars because their activity isn’t visible even to passersby.

2.  Good locks. Buy the cheaper locks and you’re asking to be picked clean. A technique call “lock bumping” will give someone with experience and intent easy access. Buy commercial grade locks for all your doors and use deadbolts for all your doors.

3.  Keep a key record. Keep track of who has keys, and when in doubt, change the locks. If you have high employee turnover, especially disgruntled employees, you may be at risk.

4. Don’t keep cash on hand. It’s best not to keep large amounts of cash in the building.  Some 85% of all crimes in the area are drug related, which means that cash and items thieves can sell quickly are targets.

5. Consider a monitored security system. The most common myth about security alarms is how much they (don’t) cost, says Dixon. “If you are open for business, you need an alarm system to protect your vulnerability.”

Common sense will take you far in discerning your vulnerability. Do you have a lot of accessible windows and doors? Are you isolated? Do you look vulnerable? Do you house items that would make a good cash-quick target for thieves?

“Remember, if you collect private information from customers you need to protect it, too,” says Dixon. Insurance agencies are an example. ID theft is the number one white-collar crime.

“Today’s security systems don’t have to be expensive. And you’d be surprised at everything a security system can do.” There are three things to note when choosing a security system, he says.  Best to go with a security system that’s monitored so there is someone to respond when it sounds.  Make sure the company you choose is UL listed–that’s the standard for monitoring centers. And make sure the company’s been in business for awhile so they’ll be there when you need them.