A break-in can be a scary and expensive thing for any business. But for smaller business the effects can be particularly devastating, leaving you to deal with a range of issues from property destruction to the loss of merchandise, money and even confidential data. There’s also that feeling of vulnerability and helplessness that can set in after a burglary. Taking control of and rebuilding your office security will help you get back on your feet, and security of your assets.
Assess The Damage
The first thing you should do is assess what damage was done. Create a list, and take care of repairs as soon as possible, especially if there’s been damage around access points. Even if it’s a small window, a hollow roof space or a backdoor. Repairing any damage to access areas should be a high priority, as damage to doors, frames and locks leaves your property exposed. Take special care to inspect your locks, as signs of tampering can be harder to spot here. If you’re in doubt, ask a professional.
Board Your Windows
If your burglar gained access by smashing a window (sadly quite common), then you’ll need to deal with this right away. A big gaping hole in your premises is ideal for opportunistic thieves, so board up your windows until you can arrange a more permanent solution. Most locksmiths can provide a boarding-up service, or you could buy the materials to do this yourself if you prefer.
Identify The Weak Link
If there’s been a successful break in at your premises, then it means there were one or more weak links in your security system. Once that initial shock has worn off and the immediate issues have been addressed, you can take a step back and look at how they managed to get in. Sometimes it’s obvious – like with the broken window we mentioned above. Sometimes it’s more difficult to spot – like if they have broken in by burping a lock that wasn’t quite secure enough. Go through every element of security and defence you have and note what needs improving. Even the smallest detail matters, and you may end up with a dozen tiny things to fix or one glaring issue. If you’re not sure, this is another area a locksmith can advise you on.
Think About Your Security in Layers
If you take a birds-eye view of your security, you may find its time to give the entire setup an overhaul. You probably have the basic safety features in place to limit unauthorized access, like high-quality locks fitted on every access door to your property. But to reduce the risk of a further break-in, we recommend a more layered defence. That means having several different kinds of security measures in place at once, which deliver a higher level of security because they’re all interlinked. A few examples of layers could be:
- HD CCTV systems and security alarms
- Locks on all doors in the property, not just outside access doors.
- Making sure all valuables are locked in the safe at the end of the workday.
- Having policies in place to address possible internal threats (like changing the safe combination whenever an employee leaves
- Giving comprehensive safety training to staff that teaches vigilance and reporting of unusual activity.
- Installing window grilles or roller shutters to prevent forcible entry by broken windows.
Every one of those layers adds strength to your security, and reduces the chances of a repeat break-in. At My Locks Locksmith, we not only help you secure your premises if you’ve experienced a break in. We can also provide security advice, install locks, window grilles, roller shutters and safes to secure your property moving forwards. So, if you’ve recently experienced a break-in, or you just want a professional opinion on your existing security, just give the team at My Locks a call today.