As we write this article, America is practically on lockdown. Counties across the nation have responded to the coronavirus threat by instructing their citizens to work from home, leaving the house only for absolute necessities.
Most people are focused on how to remain productive as they work at the kitchen table while their released-from-school children run around the house. What we’re not hearing much about is what’s going to happen to all the empty office buildings.
Thieves and vandals know that right now is a great time to victimize local businesses. Have you put a plan in place for protecting your office during this lockdown? Here’s why security for vacant buildings is so important.
It’s no secret that most crimes are crimes of opportunity. When office buildings are crowded with workers and bustling with activity, thieves are less likely to attempt crimes. When security staff is also present, the threat is reduced to a minimum. The reason is obvious: criminals don’t like being seen because it increases the chances they’ll get caught.
This is why empty buildings are practically a written invitation for crime.
So the question is, what’s an appropriate level of security for vacant buildings as we navigate the uncertain future of a nation on lockdown?
Security for Vacant Buildings: A Checklist
If you’re serious about keeping thieves and vandals away from your office throughout the coronavirus threat, here’s a checklist to follow:
- Ensure that your buildings themselves are completely secure.
No iffy locks, no doors that don’t quite close properly. You must ensure that everything is working as it should. Otherwise, criminals will be able to get in and out undetected.
- Consider adding a mobile patrol service.
Mobile patrols will drive by your offices periodically throughout the day and night to make sure there’s no suspicious activity. The mere sight of them can convince criminals that they should focus on another business.
- Get your alarm system connected to a monitoring service.
Many businesses think they’re safe if they simply install an out-of-the-box alarm system. But if nobody is around to hear a burglar alarm, it might as well not make a sound at all. We recommend connecting your alarm system to a monitoring service.
- Consider adding video verification services.
If you’re really serious about establishing the best security for vacant buildings, security cameras can help. Even high-quality alarm systems have about a 90 percent false alarm rate. But when the local police receive your alarm call and can instantly see on camera that a burglar has jimmied open a window in your office, you can be sure that an officer will be dispatched as quickly as possible.
- Consider partnering with a local security company.
It is important that they be licensed to provide alarm response. Police departments are now busier than ever. Stopping a break-in to your facility is a relatively low priority for them. So, make sure you have someone dedicated responding to your needs.
- Make sure someone on your staff knows your security system.
It’s possible you installed a top-of-the-line security system—but that was 10 years ago. And while the system is still working flawlessly, the employees who chose it and knew the most about it have moved on from your company. Who will take the lead when your system needs to be serviced? Do you know who to call and what to ask for if it malfunctions? Or what the status of your warranty is? Take the time to think through these questions now before a problem arises.
How Creative Security Can Help
Considering the unprecedented steps taken by government agencies to curtail daily activities, everyone is doing the best that they can right now. So many important aspects of daily life are falling by the wayside. Don’t let security for vacant buildings be one of them.
We at Creative Security are taking all reasonable precautions to avoid getting infected or passing coronavirus on to others. But we’re not cutting any corners on serving our clients. If you’re concerned about theft and vandalism in your empty offices, give us a call and we’ll walk you through your options.
