ANYTHING SHORT OF TOTAL PROTECTION MEANS INADEQUATE PROTECTION
The individual businessman’s effort is the most important part of preventing burglary. By installing adequate lighting, locks, alarms and other devices, the physical security of the property will deter or at least delay the efforts of even the most determined burglar.
Your building is not secure unless it is totally protected. The strongest door is of no value if the burglar can quickly enter through an unlocked window. Please take a moment to review the attached list of business property security suggestions.
Exterior
Are all the points where a break-in might occur lighted by streetlights, sign lights, or by your own “security” lighting?
Have you protected “blind” alleys or spots where a burglar might work unobserved?
Is your stock and merchandise placed so as not to provide hiding places?
Are the windows protected in the loading docks or similar areas?
Have the weeds or trash adjoining your building been cleared away?
If a fence would improve security, do you have one?
Is your fence high enough? Protected with barbed wire? In good repair?
Is your fence installed so an intruder cannot crawl under it?
Are crates, boxes, garbage containers, etc., placed a safe distance from the fence so as not to be used to scale the fence?
Are the gates solid, in good repair, suitably hinged, and properly locked?
Do you regularly check to see that your gates, doors and windows are secure?
Have you eliminated unused or unnecessary gates, doors, vents and other openings?
Have you eliminated possible entry from utility poles, solid brick walls, wooden fencing, or similar points outside your fence that someone might use to climb into your property?
Doors and Windows
Are door panels solid and securely fastened in place?
Are ALL your doors designed so the lock cannot be reached by breaking out glass or lightweight panels? Use burglar resistant glass where applicable.
Are the door hinges inside or designed so the hinge pin cannot be removed?
Do you need bars on some doors to prevent breaking in the entire door?
Do you need a metal lining on the inside of an exterior door to prevent drilling, sawing or kicking through?
Properly installed rigid grates give maximum protection and can be equipped to an alarm.
Do you remove merchandise from unprotected display windows at night?
Have you secured (blocked or bricked-in) unused doors, vents, openings, etc., and are glass locations protected by wire, bars or grating?
Have you considered glass blocks in some window locations?
Your windows should offer light, ventilation and visibility, but NOT easy access.
There are numerous replacement doors, windows, etc., that provide very good security without sacrificing looks.
Strength and security does not have to sacrifice the “look” you want your location to project.
Locks
The burglarproof lock has not yet been designed, but adequate locks are available that will deter even the most determined criminal!
Double cylinder, dead-bolt type locks are preferred and should replace hasps and padlocks wherever possible.
Lock mechanism protective plates (cylinder guards and armored strike protection plates) should be used to prevent “jimmying,” prying or other attacks.
If hasps and padlocks must be used, high-grade steel will resist twisting, prying or cutting.
Remove code numbers from padlocks and keep a tight key control for ALL locks.
Don’t carry identification tags on your keys or key rings; if you lose them, you give potential burglars help.
Safes
Hiding the safe will only serve to give the burglar less visibility and better working conditions.
When possible, the safe should be visible from the outside and well illuminated.
If your safe weighs less than 750 lb., it should be fastened to the floor or wall, or set in concrete.
Is your safe a “fire rated” safe only, but being used for burglary protection?
NEVER leave the combination where it can be found.
When you change employees, CHANGE the safe combination and certain locks.
Your safe should have an “envelope drop” opening for frequent deposits without having to open the safe door.
Cash should be kept at a minimum by frequent banking.
Miscellaneous
Do you have a comprehensive (multi-zone) alarm system? State-of-the-art alarm systems are now relatively inexpensive. If you have an alarm system, do you have off-site monitoring? Is it tested regularly? And does it cover ALL your security concerns fully? If NOT- do something about it!
Are your walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, dock doors, interior utility and sewer manhole(s), elevators, fire escapes, skylights, roof vents, air conditioners (duct tape and wall mounts), general perimeter, etc., as solid and secure as they should be?
Blank checks and the check protector writer and similar company valuables should be kept in a secure location. Are your office machines, plant tools and other easily transportable pieces of equipment engraved with your company name? Are their serial numbers and description on file?
Are there “lock up” procedures and responsibilities in place? Is the property checked at closing time for persons hiding or improperly opened or unsecured doors or windows?
Does the door have a peephole to show you who is outside?
Is the name and address of the company conspicuously displayed on the rear to aid police and fire departments in an emergency?
The outward appearance and security of the building will often determine whether or not it will be attacked (burglarized). Every opening represents a security breach and they should be inspected and corrected whenever and as often as possible.
Three out of four commercial burglaries are committed against properties that have either NO LIGHTS or inadequate lighting.
This information was prepared by the Bureau of Staff Services, Preventive Programs and Neighborhood Relations Division, of the Chicago Police Dept. For more information, call (312) 745-5838. |
