Security Tips for Commercial Building Owners and Landlords

 

As a landlord or a commercial real estate owner, it’s important that you put interest in protecting the value of your investment and the safety and security of everybody in it.

 

Protecting your commercial property and its inhabitants can be a challenging proposition, and it may come with expensive fees, too. It all depends on the size of your commercial space, surroundings and its layout. Regardless, it is a fact that strategic use of security technology and common sense will ultimately protect your property and lessen the risk putting your employees or tenants in danger.

 

1. Get an Effective Security System

 

It is essential for all commercial or business properties to have a security system in order to deter would-be thieves. When one says effective, it means the system has gadgets of security installed in all windows and doors, as well as sensors that will set off an alarm once an intruder is detected. Sensors that can detect glass breaks is also a good option, and owners should install motion areas in restricted areas.

 

For huge commercial spaces, a loud siren is recommended to inform the security team that a forced entry has occurred. Remember that in a commercial space, a security system should be turned on at all times, unlike in residential properties wherein an owner can decide when the security system should be active.

 

2. CCTV Cameras Should be Installed Everywhere

 

Isolated monitoring cameras on blue sky

Surveillance cameras improve business security as this prevents theft and other crimes. Other than that, a CCTV camera can also monitor employees and people around the complex. Building owners are required to work closely with a security system to know where security cameras should be placed to deter thieves or find out who the culprit is when an unfortunate incident happens.

 

Choose a surveillance camera system that you can control and view remotely so that even if you’re away, you’ll know what’s going on.

 

3. Motion-Activated Floodlights

 

Motion floodlights are also essential especially when cornering intruders. This security feature also makes your property less tempting to break into. Floodlights should be installed in prime areas to take the intruder by surprise and blind him momentarily.

 

The best places for motion-activated floodlights include gates, garages, and entrance and exit doors. You can install one in your landscaping or near windows as well.

 

4. Remote Monitoring

 

With today’s technology, you don’t have to be in the building to know the activities of your employees or the situation of your property during the night. You can now do that by using your smartphone, tablet, or any gadget you can bring anywhere.

 

Security agencies and companies now have apps of their own available on both Android and iOS devices. Using an app that’s integrated with your security system will allow you to view surveillance camera footage no matter where you are.

 

In some highly-advanced security system, you can even, control the temperature of a certain room of the building, turn appliances on and off, and let people inside a restricted area simply through your app. You can also send video footage to your security system in case you want to verify something or you want to have something fixed immediately.

 

5. All Areas Must be Well Lit

 

Dark corners are the favorite of criminals, as it makes it harder to see them or recognize their faces. Keep your commercial property safe by lighting all the areas so that the CCTV camera can capture it clearly. Aside from discouraging break-ins, it will also make sure that your employees or tenants will feel safe in case they leave late or arrive early.

6. Secure Sensitive Information

 

Passcodes for windows, doors, and important documents should only be given to a few key people and must be changed regularly. Make sure that you ex-employees and ex-tenants don’t know your passcodes as well and inform your staff that your passwords should not be recorded or written to lessen the risk of falling into the wrong hands.

 

7. Keep a Record of Your Equipment

 

You shouldn’t only record the serial numbers of expensive equipment, even the cheap ones too should be recorded. Remember that thieves will grab anything they can put their hands on especially if they are in a hurry or their plans didn’t really turn out right.

 

Also, keep track of confidential files and personal documents. For big companies, staff anonymity is important. Make sure that files needed to be destroyed are destroyed, and files that should be kept are stored in a place where only a few people know.

 

8. Secure the Parking Area

 

There have been cases wherein burglars target the vehicles of employees and people visiting the property you own. Don’t let them get away and install surveillance cameras that should be turned on 24/7, and motion floodlights that you can activate during the night when no one should be there. You can also hire a security team to be stationed in the parking lot to make it extra safe.

 

9. Online Precautions

 

Your physical security isn’t the only thing you must consider if you have a business. If you have a website, you must be aware of cybercrimes, as well, and how it can affect the business negatively. You should also invest in quality anti-virus and firewall technology. Advice your staff and tenants that they should choose strong passwords as well, and regularly back up files and systems so everything can be restored in case something is deleted or lost.

 

10. Risk Assessment

 

If you want to fully improve your security, you shouldn’t just rely on your own knowledge. Get the help of security professionals so they can identify the weak points of your property. Security companies can assess your property so they can identify where to install cameras, sensors, alarms, and other gadgets that will set off once an intrusion takes place. Through this, you’re guaranteed that all areas are covered and you don’t leave a place for thieves and criminals to do their dirty work.

 

 

 

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