Why Physical Security Should be Visible to Criminals
How Physical Security Prevents Break-Ins
There’s often a lot of focus on “hiding” security tools, especially among businesses. Many business owners believe that customers don’t want to see security tools and they’re worried that visible security will make their businesses appear unsafe or “ugly.”
While this may be true during business hours, it’s certainly not the case when a business is closed. In fact, when your business is closed, having “invisible” security is a bad idea. Failing to let criminals know that you have security can make your business a target.
How Physical Security Gates Deter Criminals
In order to prevent criminals from considering your property an easy target, you need to show them that you have functional security installed. Many robberies are crimes of opportunity. Criminals look for the easiest and more vulnerable target for many reasons. One is because many criminals do not carry sophisticated tools with them when they attempt break-ins.
Most smash and grab robberies are committed with bricks, baseball bats, crowbars and other such items which are used to break through the glass in windows and doors. For this reason, criminals look for properties that appear to be unprotected as they are easier to break into.
Smash and grab robbers also want to be able to get in and out of a property quickly, before anyone notices them and responds to their crimes. Properties that have visible physical security tools installed deter criminals because they know that it will be more difficult and time-consuming to break into these properties. They don’t want to spend time at the scene of a crime as this greatly increases the likelihood of them being caught in the act.
Physical security gates can be rolled or folded back during business hours in order to maintain the visually pleasing appearance of your property when customers are nearby. This is important because “curb appeal” and having a location that looks inviting to customers is crucial.
At night, when your business is closed, you can easily lock the gates and protect your property. Criminals will know that your location is secure and they will likely move on to other easier targets.
A Word About Window Film
Security gates are successful because they make it more difficult to break through a window or door and gain access to a property. Window film can also make a break-in more difficult. However, the difference between window film and security gates is that security gates are visible to criminals.
A criminal doesn’t know if you have window film installed until he or she has already attempted a break-in. This means that the criminal will likely attempt to smash through your windows and doors for several minutes before realizing that there is security installed. While he or she may not be able to gain access, the criminal will likely do significant damage to your location in the process.
By using visible security gates instead, you prevent the initial attempts and any damage that they may cause.
We have some more helpful tips to improving the security of your business. Download our helpful guide to Improving Your Security Mindset.
