Strong Locks and Good Neighbors the Best Deterrent to Commercial Property Crime

No business is immune to crimes like break-and-enters. Even large indoor malls, once thought of as untouchable by thieves, are increasingly being targeted for break-and-enters. Business owners have the right and responsibility to protect their livelihoods with the best possible security, including quality commercial locks.

Not every lock is created equal. It's important to choose quality lock products, since your livelihood, your stock, and possibly even your life may depend upon that one small device.

The best time to stop a break-and-enter is before it happens. Choosing products that will stop thieves dead in their tracks will preserve not only your inventory but your property too. Installing heavy-duty commercial locks lets criminals know that your door cannot be easily tampered with. Most criminals know what kinds of locks pose a problem and which ones are easily breached. Show them right from the start that your business isn't a quick target. Heavy duty commercial locks may be enough to stop a break and enter before it starts.

Be sure to install a deadbolt lock on every exterior door along with your regular locks. When it comes to exterior doors, always choose medium to heavy duty commercial locks. It's worth paying a little extra for stronger exterior door locks when it may save you thousands of dollars in lost inventory and property damage.

You should also consider installing medium to heavy duty commercial locks on certain interior doors too. This includes doors which enclose areas where large amounts of inventory may be contained, such as storerooms or warehouses. Doors to offices which contain large numbers of electronic items like computers or which house the company safe should also have extra protection.

Strong locks are the single most important protective measure that you can take for your commercial business. Fostering good neighbor relations is the second. Get to know the businesses and owners around you. Just like knowing the neighbors where you live helps protect your home, knowing your business neighbors creates a sense of community and extra awareness of surroundings.

These tips may help you get to know the business owners and employees around your place of business:

* Introduce yourself to your immediate neighbors. It's pretty simple, but it makes a big difference. Pop in to the businesses on either side of you, across from and behind you and say hi. Track down the owner/manager and make a point to remember his/her name (write it down if you need to.) Chat about how business is going, and find out what security measures neighboring businesses have in place.

* Join a business organization. Many cities have local business associations. Not only are these great networking tools, they provide a forum for sharing information on local crime and helpful security tips. Joining your local Chamber of Commerce can also be helpful.

* Start a business network. If there isn't a business association in your area, start one. It can take time, but you'll probably find it will be well worth the effort in the end.

* Get to know the police/security personnel who regularly patrol your area of business/shopping center. Establishing a relationship with them personalizes your business to them. It gives them incentive to partner with you to protect your business/commercial property.

Jenny Schweyer is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. She writes extensively on business themes.

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