Securing Your Commercial Property

Posted 16th August 2016 by Helen LeachThe recent burglary at a depository in London’s jewellery quarter has highlighted the risks around commercial property. The true extent of losses for customers is yet to be determined but it is clear that loss of business opening hours, rising insurance costs and even reputational damage may result in a significant overall financial bill for the business to deal with. And with thousands of crimes committed against commercial property each year, it isn’t just high-profile crimes that can affect businesses in a big way.

What is at Stake in Commercial Property Security?

Your commercial property is the foundation of your business. It’s where your staff work and your customers visit, where you store products on site, or for many technology-dependent businesses, where you store valuable information remotely, perhaps on servers and other expensive equipment.

By addressing the security of your commercial premises, you will reduce the risk of financial losses – for example, those caused by more expensive insurance premiums, or short- and long-term losses due to down time. However, with such a range of security options open to those interested in installing or upgrading security features, it is imperative  that you ensure your business benefits from the real array of products that are out there. We look at three key considerations every commercial property owner needs to have in mind when making security improvements to their premises.

Design Features of Premises

Your security requirements must be balanced with other issues, particularly related to the design features of the premises. For example, the age of the building (and its windows), as well as the accessibility of the windows and other openings such as skylights may allow only certain types of security equipment to be installed. Any issues surrounding planning permission may also need to be factored in. It therefore pays to design your window security choices accordingly and it is always worth checking these requirements with your insurance policy provider, as well as your landlord, local council or original building plans.

Needs of your Employees

Your window security features must also reflect the needs of your workforce and, in particular, the environment that will allow them to work best. For example, those employed in an office-type commercial premises must have easy access to open windows; this will improve productivity by stimulating workers, increasing oxygen and reducing temperatures (particularly in older buildings). If you have a commercial building with windows that need access for opening by staff, retractable window grilles will allow you to retain this access without compromising on security. However, if your windows are fixed shut and your building relies on air-condition for circulation and temperature control, reinforcements such as fixed window bars may be more appropriate as a security measure.

Customer Facing

As important as your employees are, the relationship between your clients and your commercial property is crucial to the success of your business. Security on your premises protects your profits, but if your offices, showroom or retail premises don’t work for your customers, then it isn’t doing its job.

Some business owners with customer-facing windows will prefer neutral window security solutions. For example, the window shield provides an incredibly strong deterrent without changing the aesthetics of a window. Alternatively, the vandal shield can be installed in a range of different colours – allowing you to leverage the power of your brand and enhance the design of your building whilst protecting windows against vandalism.

In addition to direct window security upgrades, cameras, security lights and alarm systems remain popular choices. Such measures work both as preventatives, discouraging would-be thieves, while tracking or raising the alarm to ensure that a theft or related crime can be averted. Ultimately, there will be a secure and safe window solutions available for each and every business. What is important is to plan and design the solution which is the most effective for you, your staff and for your customers.