Did you know Australia has the 7th highest rate of burglaries in the world? Unfortunately, businesses are not immune to this climbing statistic and commercial property security is a critical aspect that every owner or manager should prioritise. With the rise of sophisticated intrusion attempts, security management has become more complex, requiring an understanding of potential issues and modern solutions.
Read on to explore common issues with commercial property security and the practical solutions to address them.
One of the most prevalent security risks commercial property owners face is intrusion. Intruders are a persistent concern, whether motivated by theft, vandalism, or other malicious intent. Investing in a high-quality Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system is the first step in combating this threat.
CCTV cameras provide extra security by continually monitoring your property. High-quality systems can capture clear, detailed footage, offering invaluable evidence in case of any security breach. But with the market flooded with numerous CCTV types and brands, finding the right one that caters to your needs can take time.
So, what factors should you consider when choosing a CCTV system? Firstly, consider the video quality. A camera that offers high definition (HD) or ultra-high definition (4K) footage can capture finer details, like facial features or licence plate numbers, which can be critical in identifying intruders. A night vision system will ensure clear footage even in low light conditions when properties are particularly vulnerable.
Bosch, Dahua and Hikvision are CCTV brands Melbourne businesses have been using for years, and we’ve seen excellent results. We highly recommend these brands for their reasonable prices and high-quality industrial security cameras.
However, even the most advanced CCTV system has its limitations. For instance, they sometimes struggle with high-contrast lighting or fast-moving objects. Also, a CCTV system is only as effective as its maintenance. Regular system checks and timely repairs are crucial to ensure optimal functioning.
In addition to choosing the right CCTV system, it’s essential to consider its placement. Cameras should be installed in strategic locations such as entrances, exits, and other vulnerable areas. Remember, visible cameras can also act as a deterrent to potential intruders.
In commercial premises security, false alarms or unarmed systems are often overlooked but can have serious consequences. These minor hiccups can lead to complacency, providing a dangerous breeding ground for serious security breaches. When these systems fail, it’s often not the technology at fault but rather a lack of understanding or misuse by the staff and tenants.
Educating your staff and tenants on how to arm and disarm your security systems is essential. This education is not a one-time event but an ongoing process demanding regular updates and refreshers to ensure everyone’s current knowledge.
Training helps reduce the occurrence of false alarms, which can often be a significant drain on resources. Each false alarm wastes valuable time and resources, and repeated instances can result in fines. Moreover, frequent false alarms can lead to a ‘boy who cried wolf’ situation, desensitising your staff to alarms and making them less likely to respond promptly when a real threat arises.
Unarmed systems are just as problematic. If a system is left unarmed, it’s as if you’ve left the front door open for intruders. This lapse can occur due to forgetfulness, negligence, or confusion about the system’s operation. Proper training will ensure that your security system is always armed, offering continuous protection for your property.
Unauthorised access to commercial buildings can result in serious losses. The repercussions of lax security can be severe, from theft and vandalism to harm to employees and clients. To counteract this, many businesses are turning to advanced security measures like keycards and biometrics.
Keycards, for instance, are popular due to their versatility and convenience. They allow each employee access to areas as needed, and administrators can easily modify these rights. Keycards can be programmed to restrict access to certain areas based on time, personnel role, or security level. However, keycards also have their drawbacks. They can be lost, stolen, or even cloned, which poses a potential risk.
So, are there more secure access systems? Yes! One such option is biometric systems. Biometric security measures, such as fingerprint and retina scanning or facial recognition, are increasingly adopted for their foolproof nature. The inherent uniqueness of biometric data makes it nearly impossible to forge, offering a level of security that outstrips other methods.
However, the adoption of biometrics comes with challenges. High implementation costs, potential privacy concerns, and the need for regular maintenance are some factors that businesses need to consider. Despite these potential drawbacks, the unparalleled security offered by biometrics makes it an attractive option for those willing to invest in the long-term safety of their commercial entities.
Alarm systems, like any technology, can fail, often at the most inopportune times. These failures aren’t merely inconvenient; they can be catastrophic, leaving commercial buildings vulnerable to intruders and other security breaches during emergencies.
Alarm system failures can be attributed to various factors. The most common is outdated technology. As security threats evolve, so must the systems designed to counter them. Alarm systems that were cutting-edge a few years ago might now need to be updated and capable of effectively handling newer security challenges.
To ensure optimal functionality and reliability, commercial property owners should prioritise regular updates and testing of security systems. These updates often include software enhancements that improve system performance, add new features, or address known security vulnerabilities. As a rule of thumb, security experts recommend that alarm systems be tested at least once a month and updates applied as soon as they are available.
Regular testing also serves another vital function; it familiarises users with the system. Users can understand its strengths, weaknesses, and quirks through regular interaction with the security system, making them better equipped to respond in an emergency.
While regular updates and testing are important, executing these tasks can be complex, requiring specialised knowledge and skills. This is where the value of a reliable security system provider comes into play. These professionals install and configure your system and conduct routine checks and updates, ensuring your alarm system is always at peak performance.
The evolution of security systems to incorporate smartphone technology has been a game-changing development in a world increasingly reliant on technology. Smartphone-connected systems are a powerful tool for commercial property owners to keep an eye on their premises, even when off-site. These systems are designed to alert you in real-time about any security breaches or potential threats, empowering you to take immediate action and mitigate risks.
Once your security devices, such as CCTV cameras, alarms, and access control systems, are connected to your phone via an app, you can monitor and manage your security anywhere. It’s like having a virtual security guard in your pocket!
But, like all technologies, smartphone-connected systems have pros and cons. On the positive side, these systems provide more control and convenience. Whether at a business meeting or on holiday, you’ll have constant access to your property’s security feed. This enables swift decision-making and immediate action in a security breach.
Another advantage is the customisable alert settings. You can set up your system to send notifications for specific occurrences, such as unauthorised entry attempts or alarm triggers. This eliminates unnecessary alerts and allows you to focus on significant events.
However, a potential drawback of these systems is their dependence on internet connectivity. You could experience delayed notifications or even miss alerts if your internet connection is unreliable. Additionally, as with any online system, there’s a risk of cyberattacks. Therefore, ensuring your security system provider offers robust cybersecurity measures is crucial.
Consider your property’s specific security needs when considering a smartphone-connected security system. Ask yourself these questions: How often am I off-premises? What level of control do I need over my security system? Do I have a reliable internet connection? Your answers will guide you in choosing the most suitable system.
While high-end technological solutions like CCTV cameras, alarm systems, biometrics, and keycards are great solutions to your security needs, using additional measures is a great way to support these. These measures are valuable supplements to your existing security systems and provide more comprehensive protection for your commercial building.
A security guard not only acts as a physical deterrent to potential intruders but also as a quick responder in case of any security breach. For a business owner, having a trained professional on-site who can tackle any security issues promptly and effectively is a great benefit. However, the additional cost of hiring and maintaining security staff could be a downside.
Having a well-lit exterior plays a significant role in deterring potential intruders. Well-placed outdoor lighting makes it difficult for intruders to hide, reducing the risk of break-ins. It also enhances the effectiveness of CCTV cameras by providing clearer footage. However, care should be taken to use energy-efficient lighting to minimise the impact on your utility bills.
Secure parking lots are another underrated aspect of commercial property security. A well-secured parking lot protects your property and ensures the safety of your employees and customers’ vehicles. This can be achieved by installing sufficient lighting, surveillance cameras and having security personnel patrolling the area. However, this may require significant initial investment.
Regular patrols, whether by security personnel or the property owner, can further enhance security. These patrols can help identify and rectify potential security lapses, such as unlocked doors or windows, malfunctioning lights, or suspicious activities. This proactive measure, although time-consuming, is another important step in maintaining a safe and secure environment.
Addressing security issues in commercial properties requires a comprehensive approach. By implementing a combination of active (keycards, security personnel) and passive (lighting, secure parking, CCTV, alarms) security measures, you can enhance your security, protect your property, employees, and customers, and ultimately, achieve peace of mind.
To get trustworthy commercial surveillance cameras for your Melbourne business, reach out to Hypower Security. Our two decades of business experience in commercial and residential security solutions have given us the experience to install your security camera, alarm, or intercom system for maximum effectiveness.
Contact us today for a free quote, and let’s work together to make your business as secure as possible.
