Business urged to get back to basics with security
1 min read
The British Security Industry Association is advising businesses to ensure that they have basic security measures in place.
“There is much to be gained from getting back to basics when it comes to security,” says Alex Carmichael, BSIA Technical Director. “By ensuring that core security functions are in place, businesses can rest assured that they have a comprehensive first layer of security protecting their premises and people. This can then be built upon if the level of risk that your business faces changes or if budgets allow for further layers of security to be added.
“Physical security measures such as quality locks, doors, safes and fencing are the very backbone of your business' security and should be prioritised as the first key layer of a holistic approach to security. Electronic solutions such as a basic, monitored intruder alarm can make a further impact in deterring a criminal from entering a premises and will alert a monitoring centre if an alarm is triggered.
“Simple access control and CCTV systems should not be overlooked as an affordable means to prevent loss, deter crime and detect incidents. For many businesses, a simple CCTV system of one or two cameras may be sufficient, and basic access control may, for example, purely be used to prevent access by the public to unauthorised areas. Using a security guarding patrol to check your premises on a regular basis could also be an option for some businesses, and the service could potentially be shared with neighbouring organisations.
“Ensuring your equipment is marked with a property marking system and registered on a secure database will mean that if a burglary does take place and your possessions are recovered, they can be returned to you. Finally, an awareness of the risk of identity theft is also important. By using a professional information destruction company to dispose of any confidential material you will protect your business and your customers against the risk of identity theft and fulfil your obligations under the Data Protection Act.”
One of the most important factors when considering your business’ security is ensuring that all your security measures have been sourced from professional companies that provide quality products and services. The BSIA website provides details of member companies that comply with relevant British and European Standards.
