Stop! Thief! When I hear these words, I remember an old black & white movie that my dad watched over and over. I don’t know the name of it, but the memory of the scene – a Keystone Cop chasing a man down the street – makes me laugh. Actually, I think my dad’s reaction was funnier than the movie.
Unfortunately, a small business owner would not have fond memories if they were the one yelling for the police. Burglars have become very creative and brave – and frequent. Some people blame the economy, others say it’s drugs and still others think it is due to society and how people feel they are due whatever they want. Whatever the reason, theft statistics show they are on the rise. So what can we do to protect our hard-earned possessions?
Through my experience owning an asset inventory service, I’ve collected information about theft prevention over the years from many sources, including conversations with police officers and victims of burglaries. Many know the basics of having an alarm system installed. But there is so much more you can do – in movie jargon, these fall under 3 titles … lights, camera (and alarms) and action (that you can take).
Lights …
• Make sure there are enough lights to illuminate the entire exterior and any adjacent property you own.
• If you don’t want lights on all day, use a timer that will turn them on at dusk and off at dawn.
• Install motion-sensor lighting.
• Good interior lighting will enable the burglar to be seen from outside.
Camera …
• Security cameras inside and out can deter as well as help catch the intruder.
• If you’re a possible target of shoplifters and/or employee theft, security cameras are helpful to stop or reduce these incidents.
• Consider installing or upgrading your alarm system. Determine what you need by getting a few quotes and opinions from the professionals.
• If you have valuable merchandise (jewelry), costly equipment or a safe with a large quantity of cash in the building, an alarm can be installed for those specific items.
• Consider including a monitoring service that notifies the police when an attempt is made to enter the building.
Action …
• Lock doors and windows when they are not in use or when you leave.
• Keep merchandise away from windows to avoid smash-n-grabs.
• Make sure exterior doors are solid and equipped with heavy-duty deadbolt locks.
• Use secondary blocking devices on sliding glass doors.
• Secure overhead garage-type doors with padlocks on the roller channel.
• Change the locks when an employee leaves.
• Use wire mesh or iron bars over the windows (at least the ones not facing the street).
• Remove posters and signs from windows so it’s easy to see inside.
• Put all tools and equipment away and lock exterior gates and sheds.
• Eliminate hiding places by moving trash dumpsters and vehicles away from the building.
• Increase visibility by trimming shrubs and trees.
• Ensure that your ventilation system can not be used to gain access.
The home-based business owner can apply most of these tips. However, there are a few other items specific to the residential setting that should be implemented when traveling.
• Use timers to turn radios and TVs on and off.
• Advise a trusted neighbor that you’ll be away and ask them to watch your home.
• Stop your newspapers and mail or ask the neighbor to pick them up for you.
• Have the lawn mowed or snow removed so it appears you are home.
Nothing is failsafe, so I recommend you compile a contents inventory. Having this information will be extremely helpful should you experience a burglary. You’ll be able to provide the necessary information to the police and your insurance company. The stress, emotional turmoil and potential financial loss can be lessened or eliminated. It’s time to take action!
Cindy Hartman
Hartman Inventory, LLC
317-501-6818
cindy@hartmaninventory.com
Tags: indianapolis small business
