Business security measures are often overlooked until an incident occurs that puts an organization at risk for financial injury. While burglaries and break-ins are often associated with residential properties, crimes occur in businesses every day. According to an article published by Streamline Telecom Inc, businesses are four times more likely to be burglarized than homes.
While business owners cannot always anticipate when a crime will occur within their building, they can implement certain preventive measures to minimize damages. Many businesses depend on professional security systems to help safeguard their investment. Alarm systems, whether silent or audible, are designed to alert business owners and/or authorities when someone attempts to enter the building without authorization.
What To Know About Business Alarm Systems
Modern alarm systems for businesses can be found at various price points and with different features to meet the unique needs of each organization. When integrated properly, a business alarm system can be highly effective in protecting assets and property from criminal acts.
Preventing Break-Ins & Burglaries
Most businesses have pre-established security measures in place, such as lighting at entrances and locks on doors and windows. However, these precautions are not always enough to deter criminals. Without an alarm system, a burglarized or vandalized business is often not discovered until the next business day when employees arrive at work. Business alarm systems can help reduce damages in multiple ways. An audible alarm is often enough to scare away a criminal within seconds. If a silent alarm is used, law enforcement is immediately notified and will often arrive in time to catch the criminal in the act.
Audible & Silent Alarms
There are benefits to both audible and silent alarm systems for businesses. Audible alarms are generally a better deterrent than their silent counterpart as the loud noise will usually scare a person off the property before they have a chance to burglarize the building. A loud alarm will also discourage a criminal from trying to break into the building again at a later date.
While setting up a silent alarm may seem counterproductive, it can be advantageous for several reasons. When combined with a fast response from law enforcement, a silent alarm can help ensure that the criminal is actually charged for the break-in. Silent alarms can also be useful for signaling if there is another problem in the building, such as a fire.
Triggering Alerts To Responders
Most business alarm systems use motion detection to sense when there is someone or something in motion. If any motion is detected, it triggers an alarm that immediately sends an alert to law enforcement that assistance is needed due to a potential break-in or burglary. Police response is generally influenced by multiple factors, such as the quality of the security system, the quality of the monitoring center, and local police protocol. Some laws require security companies to first rule out a false alarm before dispatching police.
Integrating Through The Internet of Things
Technology is revolutionizing the way that business owners implement security measures in their buildings. When alarm systems are integrated with the internet of things (IoT), business owners are better equipped to manage surveillance devices remotely, gather and analyze data to make security improvements and determine why false alarms occur and how to prevent them in the future. Security solutions involving the IoT can also help business owners gain greater visibility over who enters and exits the building in real-time. Wi-Fi can be used to monitor the premises live, and security alerts can be delivered to a mobile device when a security threat is detected.
Controlling Authorized Access
Business alarm systems are often used in combination with access control systems. An access control system is an effective way to control access to a commercial facility by managing who is allowed to enter and exit the building. This typically involves allowing access through specified doors in the building with the use of proximity cards, key fobs, or tokens. This prevents the need for traditional keys that can become lost, stolen, or duplicated by employees. When an individual tries to gain access to the building without prior authorization, an alarm will sound which informs the business owner of the situation.
Reach Out To A Professional Security Company
Having a well-functioning and responsive alarm system is essential for nearly all businesses. The proper business alarm setup can help minimize monetary and asset losses and prevent damage to the building and its contents. When installed by a professional, a business alarm system can start working immediately to keep a building safe from potential thieves and vandals.
If you need help setting up a business alarm system or want to learn more about business alarms, contact the business security experts at American Protection Group today.