How many movies have you seen that showcase dramatically detailed and very intricate burglary planning by criminals? If you’re like me, probably quite a few. However, even though Hollywood lays out entertaining plots for our enjoyment, the reality is that most criminals are not very sophisticated and look for the path of least resistance when choosing where and how to commit their crimes. To avoid becoming a victim of one of these crimes, the trick is to make your business look uninviting to the burglar in the most cost-effective manner.

According to the FBI, in 2009, of an estimated 2.2 million burglaries nationally, 27.4 percent took place at nonresidential properties. Overall, burglary accounted for an estimated loss of $4.6 billion.

What can a business do?

There are economical and reasonable steps that businesses can take to limit the likelihood of being victimized, including physical controls and employee training. The best way is by starting at the outer perimeter of your property and layering security measures as you move toward the inside of your business. For example:

1) Assess and improve the lines of sight to your business. Burglars are like cockroaches, they like to hide in the shadows.

a. Trim foliage around your perimeter that impairs the line of sight by a passerby.

b. Install adequate lighting around the entire perimeter of your property and add motion sensor lights to the exterior of your building.

c. Install fencing. This can be expensive, but is a wonderful deterrent.

2) Review entry points and key control.

a. Ensure all outside doors have deadbolts, are metal-lined and secured with metal security crossbars.

b. Pin all exposed door hinges to prevent removal.

c. Make sure windows have secure locks and burglar-resistant glass.

d. Remove any displays from windows that obstruct the view inside.

e. Maintain impeccable key control. If you are unsure who has a key to your business, it is a sure sign you need to change your locks.

3) Install a burglar and fire resistant safe.

a. As a rule of thumb, if your safe door is round it is probably burglar resistant with some fire protection. If it is square it is probably only fire resistant.

b. Change the combination when an employee who had access to it leaves employment.

4) Position your cash register so it can be viewed from the outside. It should be left open and empty at the end of the day.

Other security measures

Installing security alarms and surveillance cameras is another layer of protection. Private security companies can assist you in selecting a system, but remember it is best to have the cameras attached to off-site recorders. Also complete a thorough reference check before selecting a company to install and monitor your camera and alarm system. You can quickly become security poor from the escalating fees for false alarm responses.

If help is needed in choosing a vendor, contact the local police department. Even though most departments have a policy that forbids business recommendations, it is in their best interest to assist with tightening personal security. They are likely to provide a list of companies with whom they have successfully worked.

Unfortunately, your due diligence doesn’t stop there. A state-of-the-art security system will do you little good unless employees are engaged in crime prevention measures. They need to watch for suspicious behavior indicating your business is being watched. Adopt opening and closing procedures that employees train on and follow daily. Also caution employees against sharing information about your business. An innocent comment about your security practices can lead to a future crime.

Lastly, make a point to have regular, personal contact with local law enforcement. Officers are like anyone else, they are more likely to give extra attention to those businesses and people with whom they have a connection. In addition, many police departments offer free security assessments. These assessments are generally comprehensive and will provide options for how to best protect your most valuable assets.

Crime is not stoppable, but it is preventable. Following these few tips will make your business an uninviting target and keep you from being a crime statistic.

		Mark Alley is senior director, global protective services and public affairs, at Emergent BioSolutions. Alley has 25 years serving in law enforcement, including chief of police in Lansing.