Small Business Security Tips

[ninasen]

Crime can cost businesses billions of dollars each year. It has a particularly damaging effect on small businesses that can lose both customers and employees after a wave of crime. There are ways that businesses can fight back and prevent crimes from occurring.



1. Provide training for all employees- including cleaning staff- so they are familiar with security procedures and know your expectations.



2. Keep detailed, up-to-date records. Store back-up copies off the premises. If you are ever victimized, you can access losses more easily and provide useful information for law enforcement investigations.



3. Mark all equipment, including computers and cash registers, with an identification number (tax ID or license). Keep a record of all identification numbers off the premises with other important records.



4. Have eyes and ears when you're not there. Depending on your business, something as simple as a closed-circuit television system may serve both as a deterrent and as a way of recording information.



5. Use an employee identification system, if practical. If you have many employees this gives you additional control.



6. Make sure that all outside entrances and inside security doors have deadbolt locks. If you use padlocks, they should be made of steel and kept locked at all times. Remember to remove serial numbers from your locks, to prevent unauthorized keys from being made.



7. Make sure that your entire sales floor can be easily viewed. Eliminate any blind spots that may hide a robbery in progress. Keep displays neat, and place small and valuable objects in cabinets. Ensure that your staff is familiar with all of the merchandise in the store.



8. Install an enunciator on entrances to alert you that someone has entered your store or office.



9. Think before talking about the details of your job or working on sensitive projects in public places such as restaurants, airplanes, classrooms, and gyms.



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