How secure is your business? For the most part, it’s not as secure as you might think it is. In the UK in 2024, there were over 81.000 police recorded burglaries against businesses. And while records show this is an 8% decrease in all reported incidents, it’s still a significant number of businesses being targeted.

So what can you, as the business owner, do to help you protect your business after hours so you don’t get a nasty wake-up call from your alarm company at 2 am or stumble to work in the morning only to find it’s been ransacked in your absence?

Secure Windows and Doors

The absolute basics, but easily overlooked in terms of importance. Secure locks on windows and doors. Window grilles or bars, if required, and additional locks on doors or shutters for both. There are numerous ways you can protect and secure windows and doors, and you need to use what makes sense or is amiable for your business.

Don’t overlook the importance of high-quality tools and materials in relation to security. Cheap options can be easily damaged and accessed, making you vulnerable in the worst ways, so choose high-quality materials and security options for your windows and doors for added peace of mind.

Security Bollards

Security bollards can be implemented in multiple ways and come in a range of styles and sizes to meet your business needs. Retractable security bollards, for example, can be raised in seconds and secured easily in front of exposed areas to provide additional protection — you can use standard ones for walkways and paths outside your building or telescopic ones for larger entry points like warehouse openings. You can get fixed bollards for parking spaces or restricted areas so vehicles can’t access certain points after hours — it’s entirely up to you what ones you choose, but they are a great source of protection for a wide range of businesses.

CCTV Cameras

You can’t expect to have eyes everywhere at all times, and this is where CCTV cameras come into the picture. Criminals take full advantage of blind spots and areas they can access without being seen. But by placing your surveillance cameras in these areas or in strategic points around the building, you can spotlight known vulnerabilities and make it less likely for someone to want to try to gain access. You can monitor real-time footage and record footage to be viewed at a later date — ideal for times when you need evidence or an incident occurring.

Security Lighting

Security lighting illuminates your business property after dark. When you switch off the lights to go home at the end of the working day, your property will be shrouded in darkness, and criminals love darkness. But security lighting removes this cloak and shines a literal light to deter intruders. You can get lighting that is on solely in specific areas or is motion-activated to come on when it’s triggered. Plus, when used in conjunction with CCTV cameras, you get enhanced security and deterrents and make it easier for the cameras to capture any activity going on.