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Whether you're shutting up your retail premises for the evening, a day off or for a holiday leaving your shop unattended exposes it to security risks. So, it's vital to make sure your shop and its contents are properly secure when no-one is around.
We’ve put together some advice and tips to help keep unoccupied premises as secure as possible.
Security assessment
Carry out a full security audit to assess your security arrangements. It’s important to inspect locks and security against your business insurance policies to ensure you have the correct locks/padlocks specified by insurers for securing all doors and windows. This would normally be BS3621 rated locks on the doors and CEN or Sold Secure rated padlocks and chains locking external buildings.
Regular maintenance
Check your premises at least once a week for any signs of break-in or damage and make sure your premises stay well-maintained whilst closed. You can install wireless alarms and CCTV camera systems to increase the security of your premises whilst you’re not there.
Make sure all locks are in good working order
An approved locksmith can recommend improvements or upgrades. All locks should be smooth to operate and if you find they are hard to use or stick when turning the keys, then the first thing to do is to lubricate the locks. The best lubricant is silicone based, such as Squire’s lubricant spray version.
External doors
All external doors should be locked with high security BS3621 rated deadlocks/sashlocks. You can never have too many. It’s so important to identify the vulnerable areas around your business and secure the entrances with at least two locks. These locks can be built keyed alike, which means you only need one key to operate all locks.
Internal doors, cupboards or storage areas
Don’t give thieves an easy opportunity to break in and open up every other internal area. You can use padlocks and hasps internally to secure the doors.
Secure the Windows
All windows are required to have key or combination locking bolts to meet insurance requirements. Combination locking bolts like the Squire Combi 5 will secure more wooden windows internally to prevent forced entry.
Storing valuables and stock
Either remove from the premises or secure in a lockable container or room. The container or room should then be secured with a high security padlock and hasp. It’s important to use heavy duty locks for this, CEN 4 or higher and Sold Secure Silver or better are the locks and hasps of choice for securing valuable stock.
Outbuildings, storage areas
Secure outside sheds, containers or storage areas with heavy duty, weatherproof locks, container locks and/or padlock, hasp and staple sets such as Squire SS50S/STH3. Secure large, heavy items left outside with ground or wall anchors, locks and chains. Use the Squire Stronghold range of SS50, SS65CS or higher. These are the best for both weather resistance and security.
Fences and boundaries
Secure gates with high security chains and padlocks. It important to get the same level of security for both chains and padlocks. There is no point securing a 14mm link chain with a 6mm shackle padlock. Always look to get the square link chain as this is harder to cut with bolt cutters. If you can, fit it with the very best affordable combination of chain and padlock like the Squire TC14 (14mm link) and SS65CS padlock. Or the Squire G3 hardened alloy steel chain and SS50CS padlock.
Smart access
Consider updating your security to smart access with Bluetooth security using your smartphone to control your locks. It’s easy to allow access to other people, and to see who has entered your premises and when. There are different ways of accessing doors with smart security products, but it’s important not to compromise the security of your doors to achieve this. Seek professional advice when looking to upgrade your security to smart access.
Commercial vans
Company vans left unattended for long periods are a tempting target for thieves. Use extra security as a visible deterrent such as high quality closed shackle padlocks and hasps. As these are fully exposed, it’s best to use the Squire TC14 or higher chains with the Squire GA6 ground anchor and the Squire SS65CS or SS80 or even the world’s toughest production padlock the SS100CS.
Lock it up when you leave
Make sure all doors, windows, fire exits, roller shutters, gates, warehouses and outbuildings are locked securely when you leave. You can introduce an alarm system with window and door contacts, which alert you if you’ve left any doors or windows open (provided you have alarm contacts on the doors or windows).
Choose independently attack tested and certified security
Look for security products that carry the official police approved Secured by Design (SBD), Sold Secure, CEN or LPCB marks. This means they have passed rigorous tests by a recognised independent testing and certification body. Most insurance companies will ask for these ratings on the locks and security you have on your business premises. Check your policy and make sure you are covered when upgrading security.
Geoffrey Campbell is a Locksmith at The Lockshop Warehouse, Eastbourne.
The family-run business has been supplying locksmith services locally since 1975. It was one of the first locksmiths to offer products on the internet and sells a vast range of Squire security products online.
