By: Frankie Lax
Warehouses, by their very nature, are usually filled with valuable stock or other items worthy of protection. They are also typically in remote locations outside of areas with heavy traffic and high visibility. Add the fact that they are usually staffed with few employees with many hours when they are completely vacant and you have the perfect recipe for being the focus of criminals.
For those reasons and more, Thieves are attracted to scenarios just like that! In fact, your warehouse may be in their target sights right now.
Without trained security personnel either on-site or regularly patrolling your business, both stock and staff are at unnecessary risk.
Protecting against theft. Security guards and/or security patrols curb attempted thefts. While cameras and warning signs often deter criminals, videos that are not actively monitored in real time simply give you evidence of what happened rather than preventing it from happening. And it is not uncommon for crafty thieves to test those first lines of defense then sit back and see what the response will be, if any at all. A security guard and/or security patrol adds an extra level of protection and intervention. Criminals are much less likely to consider robbing an area featuring manned vehicles or on-site patrols. Like any predator, thieves always select the easiest and most vulnerable targets. Assessing your vulnerabilities is the first step to better securing your property.
Protecting staff. Another element of security to consider is whether or not your staff and visitors are as safe as possible. If a staff member or visitor is injured (or worse) during a burglary, your company will likely be open to liability issues. A security patrol or on-site guard not only provides an extra level of protection but also gives employees and visitors a sense of security. A safe and secure environment improves both hiring and employee retention.
Company image. When visitors arrive at a warehouse featuring either on-site security or regular security patrols, they are given the impression of professionalism and security. A good first impression goes a long way in today’s business environment. Does your current level of warehouse security put your best foot forward for potential and existing clients?
Emergency response. Incidents and natural disasters can and do occur without warning. Having a trained regular security patrol or on-site guard can be a literal life-saver under these conditions. They also are able to contact law enforcement, fire departments, etc in a much more reliable fashion…providing more detailed information than a simple alarm can provide.
Insurance rates. Many insurance companies feel more confident in writing insurance for your company’s property when you provide them with proof of regular security patrols and/or on-site security to compliment cameras, fencing, signage, lighting, etc. When assessing the vulnerabilities of your property to determine increasing the types and level of security, you may want to deploy, be sure to review with your insurance company. What savings might be available that could help defray the cost of increasing your security profile.
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Frankie Lax is President of Maxxguard, a West Tennessee security and investigative firm. Call Maxxguard for more information about on-site guard and regular patrol services at (731) 427-7222.
