It’s not an exaggeration to say that small businesses are often the backbone of local economies. SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) make up 60% of employment in the UK private sector, and for many owners their business is more than a job – it’s their life.

Because of this, it’s essential for small business owners to understand the crime prevention tactics that might make all the difference in protecting their assets.

The impact of crime on small businesses

Considering the fact that shoplifting and robbery are both on the rise, it’s important to understand just how harmful crime can be for small businesses – financially, operationally, and reputationally. Here are some of the ways in which crime can impact a business:

• Loss of inventory and assets – theft can seriously reduce stock, causing immediate financial loss and long-term disruption to business operations.
• Financial burden – dealing with the consequences of theft, vandalism and fraud can incur substantial costs.
• Insurance premiums – after a crime-related claim a business may experience an increase in their insurance premiums.
• Impact on employees and customers – crime can cause employees to feel unsafe, and customers to lose trust in a business.

Top small business security measures

Proactive security measures are essential in preventing crime and mitigating risks. Here are some of the most effective steps for small business owners to consider:

• Installing security cameras and alarm systems – especially when visible to would-be intruders, alarm and camera systems can act as a strong deterrent.
• Implementing access control systems – depending on the layout of your business, security systems such as keycards or can help to keep certain areas for authorised staff only.
• Regularly updating and maintaining security systems – any kind of security system is only good for as long as it works, so regular maintenance is a key.
• Training employees on security protocols – employees need to know how to react in security situations, whether the goal is for them to feel able to respond to threats, or focus on protecting themselves.
• Conducting regular audits and risk assessments – there’s always room for improvements and upgrades, and regular audits and risk assessments will help to highlight areas that can benefit from enhancements.

Understanding your business’s unique security needs

Crime prevention isn’t a one-size-fits-all task, and each business will have its own security needs. Location, the value of goods and services, the number of employees and the nature of a business will all have an impact on the type of security measures it needs. Through completing a thorough assessment, or by contracting a security company to carry one out, a unique plan can be made to bolster a business’ defences.

Simple and affordable security tips for small business owners

Security doesn’t need to be costly or high-tech. There are affordable and accessible measures that businesses can enact to improve safety that won’t break the bank, including:

• Installing outdoor lighting to deter criminals
• Using the appropriate locks on all external doors and windows
• Keeping valuables and cash in secure safes
• Using a professional alarm response service to ensure immediate action if an alarm is triggered

All of these things will be a significant step forward in improving the security of any premises.

Choosing the right security provider for your business

If you’re unsure of where to start with boosting your small business security measures, you can always ask for help. Opting to partner with a professional security provider can give you the benefit of customised solutions based on your business’ specific needs, carried out by qualified professionals. Using a trusted service will ensure that your security measures meet industry standards and utilise the latest technology.

Shut up shop from security threats

Contact us at All Time Security to see how we can put our expertise to work and offer tailored security solutions for your small business.

While campuses are supposed to be havens of learning and development, unfortunately they are also prime locations for all kinds of security threats, including vandalism, theft and cyber-attacks. The safety of school staff and students should always be a top priority for educational institutions; in this blog we’ll highlight how to secure that safety despite the common threats to campus security.

Introduction to campus security challenges

Educational environments are often busy and bustling, with campuses spanning wide areas, unsecured perimeters, and a wide variety of students, staff and guests coming and going throughout the day. Crowds, expensive facilities, the abundant technology and valuables can all be targets for various kinds of campus security threats, including:

• Vandalism
• Theft
• Cyber attacks
• Unauthorised access
• Violence
• Terrorism

Considering the sheer amount of threats that could befall an educational environment on any given day, any approach to keeping them safe and secured needs to be multi-faceted.

Assessing security needs for educational institutions

Campus security will vary from location to location, as each educational institution’s needs are unique. Conducting a thorough assessment of a campus’ needs and an audit of any potential risks will help to identify the areas that need attention. These could range from something as simple as installing additional lighting in outdoor area, to employing designated security staff to monitor entrances and exits.

Implementing access control and surveillance systems

One of the main ways of being able to prevent threats before they occur is through surveillance. When it comes to school security, access control and surveillance systems go a long way in preventing unauthorised individuals from gaining access to campuses or dormitories.

Modern access control solutions include:

• Keycards
• Biometric scanners
• Turnstiles
• Manned entrances and exits

And when it comes to surveillance, comprehensive CCTV coverage in high-traffic and high-risk areas such as entrances and exits, car parks and hallways provides a deterrent to criminal activity. Not only that but, should an incident occur, and footage captured can also be a valuable tool for investigations.

The role of trained security personnel on campuses

At a time when many students are raising concerns about the professionalism and effectiveness of security staff on campuses, well-trained and confident security personnel can make a big difference to the atmosphere of an institution. Staff may need to be able to resolve situations between students, employees, and visitors as well as deterring or responding to any external threats. They might also have to coordinate with local authorities.

Because of the wide variety of situations they might encounter, many potentially involving young people, it’s important that any campus or college security personnel are trained to de-escalate and diffuse situations, if their presence is not enough to prevent an incident in the first place.

Emergency preparedness and response planning

In busy environments such as campuses, it’s important that any incidents are responded to swiftly and succinctly. One way to ensure this is to prepare response strategies. Whether it’s a fire, a severe weather event, or an intruder situation, campuses must be prepared to respond as soon as possible. It’s important that students and school staff are familiar with these protocols – regular drills and training sessions should be considered a key part of emergency preparedness.

Integrating technology with traditional security measures

There are lots of ways that modern technology can be used to help bolster traditional security measures. Something as simple as an app can give students an easier way of reporting incidents and sharing their location. On the other end of the tech spectrum, drone technology and facial recognition have the power to bolster campus surveillance and mitigate security risks.

Benefits of professional educational campus security services

Partnering with a professional security service will provide an institution with expert advice, cutting-edge technology and highly trained and vetted personnel. Professional contractors will:

• Meet security standards and regulations
• Customise their services to meet your needs
• Bring their expertise, technology and experience.

Keeping students safe

If you’re interested in security services for an educational institution, All Time Security can meet your needs and answer your questions. Contact us to find out more.