Warehouses supplying high volume, high value stock are at particular risk of burglary. In fact 20% of all recorded crime in the UK accounts for offences against businesses.
With such figures at play it is important that business owners take significant measures to protect their property and their belongings. Whilst CCTV may act as a perfectly good deterrent, alone it is not enough to ward off burglars.
Discover more about security risks and how you can protect your warehouse or commercial property below:
Security Risks
When taking action against potential theft there are a number of factors that you will need to consider.
Firstly it is important to think about both the external and internal properties of your premises and asses the warehouse security risks. By this we simply mean that you will need to ensure appropriate measures that will make it as difficult as possible for thieves to break-in. And, in the event that they do, they can’t access your inventory.
Whilst CCTV may already be in place to help deter those attempting to unlawfully access your property, many companies across the globe still discover explainable inventory loss. Unfortunately, many businesses rely on ineffective safeguards such as the aforementioned CCTV and alarm systems, and as a result fall victim to the false sense of security that they tend to provide.
The reality is that CCTV is ultimately in place to protect properties from external break-ins and in doing so fail to recognise the potential threat from internal theft which unfortunately occurs all too often.
Our Warehouse Security Checklist
It is important to remember that no single measure will reduce theft completely, but a combination of processes, high quality security products, and hiring standards will improve warehouse operations and eliminate the risk of any losses. We’ve therefore collated a few warehouse security best practices so you can ensure a smooth operation:
General Building Considerations
- CCTV – whilst we certainly don’t recommend CCTV as a stand-alone system, the addition of video security will benefit you in a number of ways. Firstly acting as a deterrent to potential thieves who may think twice with these prominently in place externally, but also as a safeguard in the internal building.
- Locking Devices and Key Controls – External and internal windows, doors, gates and fences should be securely fitted with proper locking devices. Whether access control systems which are ideal for commercial premises where the ability to change codes with ease is necessary or simple yet effective padlocks which protect against theft, vandalism, and unauthorised entry.
- Lighting – Adequate lighting both inside and out of the building is key. All entrance, exits, cargo handling, storage areas, fence lines, and parking areas should be fully lit.
- Car Parks and Access Points – Whilst perhaps an obvious point it is essential to separate shipping docks from general staff and visitor car parks to eliminate the chance of swiftly removing items. In fact, according to a study conducted by the Australian Institute of Criminology 87% of loses are inflicted at the road transport level, where warehouses and receivers of goods are most at risk.
- Walk-throughs – Owners or senior members of staff should frequently walk through the warehouse to check on daily processes. Walk-throughs have been proved in many companies an effective means of monitoring the business; remember that unpredictability is key so avoid following any fixed schedules.
- Limited Access – Try to limit access in your warehouse with one primary door for all members of staff, visitors, and guests.
Personnel
- Hire the Right People – Whilst it might be easier said than done, hiring the right employees can be half the battle. Ensure you take rigorous personnel steps during the recruitment process and thoroughly check references, background, and criminal records.
- Security Training – Assist employees with the ability to maintain cargo integrity, recognise potential threat and how to act accordingly, and protecting access control.
- Security and Background Checks – Screen new as well as periodically check current employees. Ensure that employees are only give access to secure areas if they are needed for the performance of their duties.
- Visitors – Processes should be implemented to register and account for all non-company employees on site. Consider asking for photo identification for documentation purposes.
Physical Security Measures
- Protect Entrance Points – Standard doors, whether external or internal, can be easily forced open if the need is urgent enough. Invest in Steel Security Doors which provide additional levels of protection with various locking systems, drill and impact proof properties.
- Secure Delivery Points – Goods drop off points and windows are vulnerable spots for potential thefts due to the lack of security and often less than sturdy materials. Steel security grilles are an additional and versatile level of protection highly recommended for your property.
- Secure Stock and Inventory – Protecting your stock from the inside is as equally as important. Security Cages increase protection as both stand-alone enclosures and built into large, close fitting areas. Additionally, Secure Rooms protect against burglary, fire, and theft whilst protecting stock against additional measures such as controlled ventilation.
More Help and Information
Ensure that your warehouse security measures are up to scratch and the challenge of protecting our property and its goods. Review you general security often and continue to improve on the measures in place.
For more information regarding any of our warehouse security or for more information concerning what might be best for you particular circumstances, give the team a call on 0117 967 4994.
