If you own a high-risk commercial property like a retail store, bank, pharmacy or government building you need to be worried. Smash-and-grab thefts, robberies and targeted attacks can happen to anyone – anytime.
The good news is that there are easy security upgrades you can make today to protect your commercial property, keep your employees safe and save you money long-term.
One of the best upgrades you can invest in right now is bullet proof windows.
Bullet proof windows for commercial properties are a ballistic-rated physical barrier that prevent forced entry, stop bullets and can even protect your property from severe weather damage.
Too many business owners wait until it’s too late to upgrade their security. Don’t be that person.
Be proactive and make your property a hard target.
What you’ll learn:
- Why High-Risk Properties Need Better Security
- Top Security Upgrades Every Property Owner Should Consider
- How To Choose The Right Upgrades For Your Property
Why High-Risk Properties Need Better Security
Commercial crime is expected to continue rising in 2024.
Recent reports show that shoplifting and merchandise theft incidents increased 19% between 2023 and 2024 alone. The year before there was a reported growth of 26%.
Whether you own a retail store or an office building these numbers affect everyone. High-risk commercial properties are targeted every day, which is why it’s important to take action now and improve your security.
Retail crime doesn’t just impact storefronts either. Pharmacies, banks, warehouses and medical facilities are all at risk.
Businesses across the country are hurting due to crime, and local communities are being forced to deal with workers trying to keep their jobs and businesses that suffer as a result.
Retail theft, drug robberies at pharmacies and businesses being targeted by gangs are just some of the crimes happening every day.
What’s worse is that criminals are getting more violent.
Smash-and-grab thefts are fast moving crimes where groups of criminals smash the windows of a storefront or commercial building in order to steal as much as they can, and quickly get out.
Violent attacks are also on the rise with many stores reporting robberies where criminals are armed with guns.
There have even been cases where criminals return to the scene of the crime to attack employees who try to defend their business.
Your commercial property could be next. Make your business a tough target and invest in security upgrades that act as strong physical barriers.
Top Security Upgrades Every Property Owner Should Consider
Security for your commercial property should have multiple layers so that if one system fails, you have another to back it up.
No single security upgrade will make your building 100% secure, but once you combine these technologies you’ll drastically harden your targets and prevent crime from happening to you.
Here are the best upgrades every property owner should consider…
Bullet Proof Glass
Lets start with the biggest one.
Your windows and glass doors are literally begging for someone to break in.
Swap out your standard windows for ballistic-rated bullet proof glass and it becomes near impossible for criminals to gain forced entry into your building.
Not only will bullet proof glass stop bullets but it also protects your property from smash-and-grab attacks.
Window and glass door break-ins are the number one way criminals enter your commercial building.
By installing bullet proof windows you’ll not only be preventing forced entry, but you’ll also be protecting your property from violent attacks and shattered glass.
Bullet proof glass comes in different bullet ratings so you’ll need to choose which level is right for your property.
UL 752 is the governing law that tests ballistic resistance on glass. Levels can range from 1-8 with Level 1 able to stop a 9mm round and Level 8 stopping rifle threats.
Reinforced Entry Points
Windows aren’t your only vulnerability. Doors and wall frames can be weak points of entry as well.
Look for these upgrades when trying to reinforce your building:
- Reinforced steel or aluminium door frames
- Anti-pry door hardware
- Door deadbolts
- Reinforced wall construction
- Shatter proof door glass inserts
Criminals will look to exploit any weakness they can find. Making your doors and windows harder to break into will greatly decrease your chances of being robbed.
Advanced Surveillance Systems
You’ve probably heard this one before but today’s surveillance game is played on a whole different level.
Thanks to technology advancements, there are now HD cameras with night vision, motion sensors, remote monitoring systems and instant alerts.
A good surveillance system will notify you the second something isn’t right.
Features to look for in modern surveillance systems include:
- Coverage of the interior and exterior of your property with zero blind spots
- Cloud-based monitoring and storage
- Can monitor your property through cellular networks
- Access control system integration
- Ability to identify license plates at entry points
Security cameras are not a physical barrier, but they’re great when used alongside some of the other upgrades mentioned above.
Access Control Systems
Limiting who goes in and out of your property is critical to keeping your place secure.
Access control systems utilize credentials like key cards, finger print scanning, pin codes or even phone based credentials to allow entry to specific individuals.
Access control is great for high-risk areas of your property. Server rooms, cash handling stations and storage facilities are perfect examples of where you’ll want to restrict access.
Security Window Film
If bullet proof glass is outside of your budget there’s always security window film.
Window security film is applied to your existing glass and holds the glass together in the event of an impact. It won’t stop bullets but it will slow down any forced entry attempts through your windows.
It’s a great short-term solution while you save up for that new bullet proof glass installation.
Perimeter Security
Don’t wait until someone is already at your doors to keep your property secure. Start with your perimeter.
Perimeter security should include things like fencing, bollards or even vehicle blockades. You should also have security lighting and eliminate shrubbery where someone can hide.
Outer layer security is often overlooked but it’s a great place to start.
How To Choose The Right Upgrades For Your Property
Not every commercial property is going to need bullet proof windows. Sorry to break it to you…but that hardware store down the street isn’t going to need it either.
The best place to start is by performing a security audit of your property.
Identify where you think you’re most vulnerable and go from there. Make a list of your current security measures and where you think you can improve.
From there you should be able to prioritize which security upgrades you should make based on your budget.
Start with physical barriers and work your way from there.
Combine as many layers of security as you can for the best protection possible.
Wrapping Things Up
There’s no excuse not to upgrade your commercial properties security.
Crime is on the rise and waiting for something to happen to your business won’t cut it.
Protect your property with security upgrades like bullet proof windows, reinforced doors and advanced surveillance to keep you and your employees safe.
Remember, the more layers of security you have, the harder you make it for criminals to target your business.
