Burglary

Physical security constitutes 90% of burglary prevention. If your building is locked and unauthorized entry is made difficult, time consuming and conspicuous, chances of a successful burglary are minimized.

Locks on outside entrances and inside security doors should be single-cylinder dead bolts with movable collars. They should be recessed into the door and should have at least a one-inch throw containing a hardened steel insert protected by a latch guard. 

Padlocks should be made of hardened steel and mounted on bolted hasps. Keep the padlocks in the locked position to prevent exchange. File off serial numbers to prevent new keys from being made. Entry doors should be of solid core construction or metal-lined. Door jams must be solid. 

Exposed hinges should be pinned to prevent removal. All windows should have secure locks and shatter-resistant glass, this more so on the lower level windows. 

Good visibility should be maintained through windows; expensive items should be removed from displays before closing. Lights must provide optimum visibility inside and out, with vandal proof covers over outside lights and the power source. The perimeter should be well-lit, especially around all entry points.

Alarm systems should be supplied by a licensed alarm company with a central monitoring station. Check the system on a daily basis. Advertise its presence to deter break-ins. 

The cash register should be in plain view from outside so it can be monitored easily. Leave the drawer open when empty, or not in use. Safes should be fireproof, burglar resistant, and anchored securely. Leave them open when empty and use them to lock up valuables when the business is closed. Change combinations when anyone with access leaves your employment.

Maintain good visibility. Landscaping, boxes and trash bins near the building can give a criminal cover or access to the roof. Check your building exterior (roof, cellar, walls, etc.) and secure openings larger than 12 x 12. Perimeter fences should keep intruders out and allow good visibility of your business by neighbors and police. Alarms on fences can give you additional protection. Guard dogs inside fences are also effective in deterring unauthorized entry.

Tools and equipment should be engraved with an Identification Number, (Example: Drivers license 123467890), and ID stickers displayed on entrances to your property, advertising that your items are marked for identification. Keep accurate records of serial numbers on all items to help in recovery. 

Tightly anchor all equipment/merchandise to a secure base and lock all exterior doors to delay the efforts of a burglar. A closing security check should include the entire interior of your business so you do not lock an aspiring burglar inside. Routinely check the exterior to make sure that there has been no security breach.