After our company headquarters was robbed for the fifth time, I decided we needed to do a little better at bolstering security. Instead of relying on a few measly cameras and a security guard that was distracted most of the time, we installed a state-of-the-art security system and focused on eliminating inherent security threats. It took a lot of work, but after a few weeks we could tell that our efforts were really helping. We were able to thwart a potential robbery, which made me feel better about the investment. Check out this blog for more ideas on improving your business security.
With the approach of the summer season, shoppers are likely to be out in greater numbers as they enjoy the warmer weather and the longer days. As the owner or manager of a shopping center, this is a key time to be proactive about your property security. For the safety of everyone on your property, here are some tips to help you enhance security.
Focus on Lighting
During routine property patrols, your security staff should be instructed to check the condition of all of the lighting on the property. These security patrols are the first line of defense against issues on the property, including visibility problems. Dark pockets create areas where people can hide and accidents can happen, so the sooner your staff identifies areas in need of extra lighting or spots where bulbs are burned out, the safer your property will be.
Highlight Customer Service
One of the things you want to avoid is having your security staff seem unapproachable. Stress the importance of customer service and approachability when on patrols. For example, your officers should always strive to make eye contact with each shopper they pass, hold doors for people when they can and be pleasant and conversational. In addition, they should also go out of their way to help customers with simple tasks like lockouts, lost cars, jump starts and even general safety escorts. The more visible, trustworthy and approachable your security staff is, the more likely it is that customers will reach out with concerns.
Avoid Predictability
It's common for security personnel to fall into predictable patterns when patrolling. Since most patrols are guided by specific strategies, it's easy to follow the same routes every time. Unfortunately, this can make your security staff and property a target for thieves and others. Encourage your staff to use a variety of different patrol patterns and routines, changing things up regularly so that there is no predictability to their cycles.
Encourage Consumer Awareness
Security teams have a tough job in most any environment. You can make that job easier by educating shoppers about basic safety considerations. Organize a widespread public safety marketing campaign to teach customers about keeping their packages, purses and wallets secure. You should also include some information about how to spot things that are out of the ordinary or potentially concerning. Stress the importance of reaching out to security personnel any time something seems out of place.
Taking a proactive role with your site security and including your patrons in the process will help you keep your property secure even in the busy summer season. Start now so that you're ready when summer hits, or reach out to a local security company to take care of the security and monitoring of your property for you.
For a security company, contact a business such as Security Unlimited.
Share21 April 2016
