You have opened a store, and if you are like most store owners, you will have a bit of paranoia as you leave the building on the first night.
Statistically, new stores are the most likely to be broken into. Why? Well, simply because they don’t have all the security measures in place that older and more developed stores do. This can make it very hard to get to sleep on that first night after the store has opened!
Luckily, there are some pragmatic steps that can be taken before a store is opened or in the first week to up the security (and help you sleep at night!), and here, they will be explored.
Look At the Entrances
Should a burglar want to break into your store, chances are, they will go via a door. Or, sometimes, a skylight, but that’s another matter!
So, starting with the basics, making sure your doors have alarms and a keypad entry system and are hefty and hard to move, like Masonite entry doors, will ensure that it is harder to break into. If you are opting for glass doors, make sure they are alarmed and that the glass is shatterproof.
CCTV
Obviously, the next step is the CCTV and surveillance cameras.
Luckily, 2023 is the year of the digital camera, with even the cheapest camera you can set up being incredibly high-definition. You will need to place the CCTV both inside and outside of your store and make sure the cameras have a high resolution in both the day and night. If possible, try to get night vision options.
You can now get notifications on your phone if someone is sneaking around your store after hours, allowing you to call the police from home.
Alarms and Motion Sensors
Alarmed doors were mentioned earlier, but if the shop you are renting or have bought has a skylight, you may want to get that alarmed.
Alarm systems and motion sensors can detect movement, attempted entry, and glass being broken, which can then send an alarm to the nearest police station, the security company that is overseeing your store, and even your smartphone. Make sure, of course, that any motion sensors or alarms are installed by a professional team.
Lighting
Lastly, motion-based lighting and general lighting in the store after hours will prevent break-ins. Why? Well, with more light comes better recognition on CCTV cameras, upping the chances of intruders being caught further down the line. Make sure your store is lit both inside and out and that the last person who leaves the store in the evening ensures that the motion lighting is turned on.
There is now an interesting option that store owners can invest in, which can allow you to control the lighting in and around your store with the click of a button from a remote location. That way, if you are watching the security cameras and you see something suspicious, you can flick on the light and see who or what is causing the problem.