A time to review security as retail sector reopens

AS many retail premises reopen after the Covid-19 restrictions, it is important that businesses take some time to review their security. This week, An Garda Síochána have launched a retail security assessment checklist as part of their Business Watch programme.

Criminals like easy opportunities, so if they have to make a lot of noise, spend a lot of time or risk being seen, chances are they won’t bother. If they are aware staff are security conscious, they will be less likely to attempt a criminal act.

A retail premises security assessment is essential in identifying weaknesses in physical security that might provide an easy opportunity for a crime to occur. While nothing can make your business absolutely crime-proof, these checks and recommendations are intended to create security layers that, if implemented, can serve to reduce criminal opportunity, or make it more difficult to force entry into your premises.

A small investment of time and money can make your business premises more secure and less likely to be targeted by criminals. The retail security checklist is a 5-step guide which begins with perimeter security.

While a business was closed its possible that locks or other security features may have been tampered with or become damaged, so check all entry points including gates, fences, doors, and windows.

Similarly check all exterior lighting and CCTV cameras and repair and replace where necessary. Make sure there is nothing left around that can aid a criminal in committing a crime, such as wheelie bins that can be used as climbing aids or objects that can be used to force a door or window.

Crime prevention aims to deter, delay, and detect criminality, so your intruder alarm is very important in detecting a motivated criminal. Make sure your alarm has been serviced and that your level of monitoring meets your requirements.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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