7 Small Business Security Tips

Loss of company property to theft and burglary can severely impede business operations and cost you a fortune. Perhaps the best safeguards to protecting your business property are preparation and precaution. Whether you deal in electronic products or handicrafts the following tips will help you keep your office property safe and secure.

1. Devise and implement security plans and policies – If you don't have a security plan in place, don't delay drafting one any further. You may either do it yourself with the help of sample plans, or seek assistance of a business security professional. Further, brief your staff on office safety during employee orientation, and have them sign an agreement instructing them to follow your company's security policies.

2. Develop emergency procedures – Brief and train your employees on how to respond in case of emergencies such as when a fire breaks out, or when there's an instance of robbery, a storm, earthquake, etc. Keep the emergency service helpline numbers easily accessible, and ensure that employees know who to call and when.

3. Procure and install good quality padlocks - Make sure you don't skimp on buying and fitting your office with good quality padlocks. Don't leave any weak links and fit locks on all doors, windows, drawers, cabinets, cupboards etc.

4. Ensure good lighting in and around your office premises - Light up the exteriors of your premises including back doors, all entry points, windows, and parking lots. Also, consider securing outside lighting with security covers to fend off any tampering.

5. Make sure of an unobstructed view into your business – Burglars will be dissuaded from breaking in when they know that passersby and police cars on patrol can see through into your office. They too don't want to compromise on safety!

6. Install surveillance and security devices – The most commonly used devices include CCTV systems and products to raise an alarm. The CCTV systems can often help detect security breaches and prevent a crime. Even when a crime is committed, the footage from CCTV can help piece together evidence needed to solving it. Intruder alarms, on the other hand, can inform you of a break in instantly, so that you can respond and prevent or control further damage. You may consider installing other security devices as per your business needs.

7. Protect your company's documents and data – Your company's everyday business operations may produce a lot of documents bearing sensitive information such as bank account numbers, customers' details, passwords, etc. However, if these document aren't securely handled or disposed of, criminals can feast on the information they contain to prey on your business and your customers. Make sure you properly shred all documents and keep your passwords safe. For ideas on protecting business data, see: How to Protect Your Small Business Data