4 Security Improvements Your Commercial Property Needs Right Now

Managing a commercial building has benefits but also comes with a lot of pressure and responsibilities. Your top priority should be ensuring the safety and security of your tenants, employees, and assets.

Unfortunately, many commercial properties lack comprehensive security measures, leaving them vulnerable to various threats, ranging from break-ins and vandalism to negligent security claims.

“A commercial property owner has a legal responsibility to offer a safe environment for their tenants and visitors,” says Brandon Stein of the SteinLaw Injury Lawyers, a renowned group of negligent security attorneys based in Florida. “If a crime were to occur on a commercial property due to lax security measures, the owner or management company could be held liable, and this is because they have a duty to provide adequate security for their guests, visitors, residents, renters, shoppers, passers-by and the public in general.”

While managing any property (let alone a commercial one) is stressful, the last thing you want is to add negligent security lawsuits to your list. So here are four security upgrades you should consider right now to help you protect your commercial property.

Hire Commercial Security Guards

These professionals have the training, tools, and expertise needed to identify vulnerabilities, develop a comprehensive security plan, and implement robust protection measures.

When vetting potential security service providers, look for companies specializing in commercial properties with a proven track record of success. They should be able to conduct a thorough assessment of your building, taking into account essential details like the size and layout of the building, the volume of foot traffic, and any specific security concerns you may have.

Based on their findings, the security company can then recommend the right mix of services to meet your needs; this could include anything from manned guard patrols and mobile response units to remote video monitoring and access control systems.

These services work together to create a multi-layered security approach that deters criminal activity and ensures a swift, coordinated response during an incident. And the benefits of investing in professional security services extend far beyond deterring break-ins and vandalism. Having a dedicated security presence on your property can also:

• Enhance the safety and well-being of your tenants, customers, and employees.
• Reduce your liability risk in case of a crime or injury on the premises.
• Lower your insurance premiums, as insurers view properties with robust security measures as lower-risk investments.

Fix Security Cameras

Security cameras are a great investment in any commercial property; in fact, they should be your first security investment to protect your tenants and their customers or visitors.

It not only scares would-be criminals, but if an incident occurs, high-quality footage from your security camera can provide vital evidence to aid law enforcement in their investigation.

However, when choosing a security camera system for your commercial property, be sure to opt for the latest IP-based technology. These modern systems offer a host of advanced features that go far beyond simple recording, including:

• Remote accessibility and monitoring via smartphone or laptop
• Intelligent motion detection and analytics to identify suspicious activity
• Seamless integration with access control systems and other security components
• Backup storage and cloud-based archiving to prevent data loss, utilizing video surveillance cloud storage for enhanced security

Additionally, make sure to strategically place your cameras in key areas around the exterior and interior of your building. Entrances, exits, parking lots, and corridors are all prime locations that should be monitored closely. And don’t forget to install cameras in any high-traffic or sensitive areas like lobbies, elevators, and stairwells.

Leverage Access Control Systems

A robust access control system allows you to closely manage who comes and goes, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter the premises.

There are a variety of access control technologies you can leverage, each with its unique benefits:

Key cards or fobs

These key cards provide a convenient, easy-to-use way for tenants and employees to access the building and can be easily reprogrammed or deactivated if lost or stolen.

Biometric scanners

Fingerprint, iris, or facial recognition scanners offer an even higher level of security by verifying a person’s identity before granting access.

Keypad entry

Numerical keypads allow you to issue unique access codes to different users, making it easy to track and revoke access as needed.

Integrating your access control system with other security components, such as video surveillance and alarm monitoring, can further enhance its effectiveness. For example, the system can be programmed to set off an alert if someone attempts to enter the building outside of regular business hours or through an unauthorized access point.

This will dramatically help you reduce the risk of unauthorized entry, theft, and other security breaches. And with the ability to grant, revoke, and track access in real time, you’ll have greater visibility and control over who is coming and going.

Prioritize Monitored Alarm Systems

No commercial security plan is complete without a comprehensive alarm system that covers the entire perimeter of your building. These cutting-edge alarm systems are designed to detect and respond to various potential threats, ranging from break-ins and vandalism to fire and environmental emergencies.

When selecting an alarm system for your commercial property, look for one that offers 24/7 professional monitoring. This means that any triggered alarms will be immediately relayed to a central monitoring station, where trained security personnel can assess the situation and dispatch the appropriate emergency responders.

Wrapping Up

Sure, taking these steps may require an upfront investment of time and resources, but the peace of mind and protection they provide are well worth it. Plus, many of these security measures can even help you save money in the long run through reduced insurance premiums and the prevention of costly liability claims.

So, please don’t wait until it’s too late. Start prioritizing your commercial property’s security today, and give yourself and your tenants the safety and security you all deserve.