Living in a rough neighborhood can have drawbacks, but it’s not all bad. 

Bad areas are full of local businesses that are the heart and soul of the community. Unfortunately, these businesses can be easy targets for crime. 

This article discusses ways to protect businesses and keep a community thriving.

1. Hire Commercial Security Guards

A business owner may already be experiencing vandalism and looting. Instead of hoping things will improve, they should hire security. Professional security guards can watch over a business and look for signs of robbers. 

Looting can get expensive for neighborhood businesses. But hiring security guards can prevent crime from happening altogether. Plus, it’ll save business money in the long run. 

Looting can, unfortunately, happen anywhere. Sometimes, political upheaval causes problems as well. If you live in a rough California neighborhood, for example, you may want to hire security. Special Security Services is one such company that offers security guards to help protect businesses.

2. Security Cameras and Surveillance

One of the best ways to protect your local businesses is through security cameras and surveillance. Security equipment can be visible or hidden. It depends on what the business owner feels is necessary. 

Security camera firms specialize in these services. They also have several different cost-effective options to choose from.

Check out these affordable options:

• Interior or Exterior (Hidden or Visible) Security Camera Systems

• Access Control Systems

• Closed Circuit Television

• Standalone Recording Devices

• IP Video Door Phone System

3. Burglar Alarms and Perimeter Fencing

Another excellent way to protect a local business is to invest in burglar alarms. Perimeter fencing is also effective at keeping perpetrators away. There are benefits to both, so it’s hard to decide which would be best for you.

Here are a few pieces of equipment to look into getting for your business:

• Burglar Alarm Systems

• PIR Motion Detectors

• Telephone Entry System or biometric to critical areas

• Electric Fence

4. Lighting

When it comes to a safe neighborhood, lighting is essential. Having a well-lit area will deter criminals from targeting local businesses. It can also help promote the community and boost the morale of its residents.

It might be a good idea if the store owner has adequate lighting around their store. 

Ensuring a business is well lit notifies people that they are welcome. It also discourages “riff-raff” from entering. 

Area lighting, motion sensor lighting, and floodlights can all work great. So, think about adding a few or all types of lighting to your business. 

5. Barriers and Vehicle Barriers

Another idea is to invest in vehicle barriers to prevent vehicles from ramming business doors or windows. 

Vehicle barriers have other advantages than preventing burglaries by car. For example, the added protection keeps people from just walking up to a front door. Or, if there are several businesses, it makes it more challenging for criminals to get in and out quickly. 

6. Conflict Resolution and How to Handle Trespassers

You may deal with trespassers on your property. Or, there may be individuals who cause problems for your staff and customers. A conflict resolution service can help with these sorts of issues. 

Conflict resolution services can handle any trespassers who come to a property uninvited. 

While these services are usually costly, they can be worth it. It’s more affordable to hire a company instead of replacing the damage caused by robbers.

7. Employee Training

Well-trained staff can be another line of defense for the safety of your business. It’s vital to ensure you have a security guard on duty at all times. Furthermore, employees must know how to handle themselves in dangerous situations. 

Employees should always be aware of their surroundings. If something seems out of place, they shouldn’t hesitate to contact law enforcement.

Bonus: Situational Awareness

Another great way to ensure local businesses stay protected is through situational awareness. 

Everyone in the community must be aware of what’s going on around them at all times. Situational awareness can help prevent burglaries, robberies, and thefts from ever happening.

Conclusion

In closing, the best way to keep bad people out is to have:

  • Well-lit areas with security cameras visible or hidden
  • Good lighting
  • Barriers and vehicle barriers
  • Conflict resolution services
  • Well-trained employees
  • Staying aware 

Do all these things, and your neighborhood and surrounding businesses will stay safe.