Commercial properties are prime targets for crime and security threats like theft, vandalism, and violence due to the valuable assets and sensitive information they often house.
While no single solution can entirely eliminate risks, implementing prudent security measures is essential for protecting these facilities.
In this article, we will be discussing both physical and technological security best practices and the latest innovative advances that can help you establish robust, layered protection together. We will also talk about how security companies can help in all of this.
While threats will continue evolving, a dynamic, customized security strategy makes commercial properties far less susceptible.
#1: Physical Security Barriers
The first line of defense for any commercial facility is physical security barriers. These prevent unauthorized access and delay intruders, giving security guards or law enforcement more time to respond. Now, let’s talk about some physical barriers that can help provide security for your commercial properties.
Perimeter Fencing
Robust perimeter fencing topped with barbed or razor wire is a psychological and physical deterrent. It also funnels visitors to access control points like gates or security checkpoints. Facilities containing sensitive data or valuable goods should have tall fencing made of difficult-to-breach materials.
Locked Doors, Gates, and Vehicle Barriers
While this may look like an obvious measure, you still need to pay close attention to it. All external doors and gates should remain locked when not in use. Managers control access with keys, access control cards, or buzz-in systems.
Mount retractable vehicle barriers and bollards at parking garage entrances, loading docks, and driveways stop to prevent unwanted vehicles from entering.
Secure Windows and Skylights
While intruders typically enter through doors, windows and skylights also present risks. Security screens, impact and shatter-resistant glass, and alarmed sensors on operable windows discourage and detect break-ins.
#2: Access Control Systems
Allowing unrestricted access to commercial properties jeopardizes security. That’s why implementing access control systems is critical.
Employee Credentials
Employees should carry ID badges with embedded access permissions at all times. Temporary visitor badges provide limited access and help security personnel distinguish between employees and guests.
Upon employee termination, credentials and access permissions must be deactivated immediately. You can implement access control software to easily manage credentials and permissions from a central dashboard.
Visitor Management
When entering, all visitors must check in at a front desk or security checkpoint. Use visitor management systems to track guests, print temporary badges, and screen persons of interest against watchlists. You should also consider integrating visitor data with surveillance cameras so you know where visitors are at all times in a facility.
Secured Entryways
Protect sensitive areas like server rooms, executive offices, and back-of-house facilities with additional access barriers. Multi-factor authentication requiring ID badges plus PIN codes provides enhanced security.
Mantraps – a set of two locked doors with only enough space between them for one person – also limit access by preventing tailgating.
#3: Video Surveillance
Security cameras act as silent sentries, providing 24/7 monitoring of commercial properties even when no guards are present.
360-Degree Coverage
Leave no area unmonitored by installing interconnected security cameras both inside and outside. Position cameras at every entry and exit point, parking lot, storage yard, hallways, stairwells, offices, and other sensitive locations.
Smart Motion Detection
Advanced motion-sensing video analytics detect suspicious activity like loitering, camera tampering, and unauthorized access. Security personnel also receive alerts for slip or trip-and-fall incidents.
Remote Monitoring
Offsite monitoring centers can keep an eye on multiple locations in real-time. Instant alarm notification enables rapid incident response by onsite guards or police officers.
Cloud Storage
Record and store video footage in secure cloud-based systems accessible only by authorized personnel. The cloud offers ample capacity for high-resolution footage from many cameras.
#4: Guards and Patrols
Well-trained security guards and frequent patrols are crucial for protecting against threats, enforcing rules, and addressing policy violations.
Entry Control and Screening
Post guards at facility access points to check credentials and conduct security screenings with metal detectors or x-ray scanners. Deny entry to persons with expired badges, prohibited items, or those showing signs of impairment.
Interior Patrols
Conduct randomized patrols of sensitive interior areas like warehouses with valuable inventory, parking garages, vacant offices, or closed retail shops after hours. Guarded tours help deter criminal activity.
Emergency Response
Guards act as first responders for incidents like trespassing, burglary, and assault while awaiting policy assistance. Equipping guards with body-worn cameras improves accountability and supports post-incident investigations.
Innovations in Commercial Property Security
Technology plays an ever-increasing role in protecting workplaces from crime, violence, and accidents. Here are some of the latest innovations poised to transform commercial property security.
Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Security video analytics and gunshot detection already rely on AI. Now, security companies use machine learning algorithms to uncover occupational hazards, detect landlord neglect, spot workplace violence warning signs earlier, and better secure sensitive areas.
Autonomous Robot Guards
Robots equipped with integrated sensors, video cameras, analytics, two-way communications, and non-lethal deterrents autonomously patrol offices, warehouses, and parking lots. Remote operators provide tactical assistance when threats arise. Stationary robot guards also screen visitors and vehicles at facility entrances.
Integrated Platforms
Modern integrated physical access control, video surveillance, visitor management, guard patrol, gunshot detection, and incident response platforms work together seamlessly. It allows you to get full situational awareness and control through centralized command centers and mobile device apps.
IoT Early Warning Networks
Sensors embedded in doors, windows, fences, safes, vehicles, and other infrastructure continuously communicate status data to IoT platforms. They help facility managers to immediately know about security breaches, unsafe conditions, equipment issues, etc., enabling rapid incident response.
Final Note
In conclusion, commercial properties contain precious assets and sensitive information, making them prime targets for criminal threats. Implementing some of the security measures already mentioned in this post is essential in protecting facilities, employees, tenants, inventory, and intellectual property.
While no security solution can fully guarantee safety, a layered defense approach utilizing time-tested best practices and the latest AI, robotics, and IoT innovations provides the highest levels of protection and peace of mind.
