As an entrepreneur with a growing business, there’s an increased demand for warehouse space and distribution centers. While this is great news –indicating that sales are up and revenues are increasing – it also means you’ll need to focus on certain things that weren’t a focus in the past. One of these things is warehouse security.
Your reputation and profits depend on keeping your goods safe. Warehouses are often targets for burglaries, especially as your company grows and attains more merchandise. For this reason, it’s vital that you have the proper security measures in place. Here are a few things you can do to improve the safety and security of your warehouse.
1. Clearly Establish Rules and Boundaries for Employees
Access to your warehouse buildings should be limited. Post signs to warn unauthorized persons to keep out or face the repercussions. Physical boundaries are also good for boosting that protection.
Place special emphasis on regulations for your employees. Employees are a leading cause for theft and security breaches today. In fact, one in every three workers admits to stealing something from their company. Things such as requiring employees to park farther away (so they can’t sneak items to their cars), requiring employees to work in partnerships, and establishing clear expectations are key to protecting your goods from those closest to the merchandise.
2. Require All Guests to Sign In
Most retailers are able to keep a watchful eye on their facilities simply by requiring a sign in for all visitors. Have them stop by the main office to enter their names in the log and receive visitor’s passes to help your employees keep track of everyone in the warehouse and recognize when there’s an intruder. Post signs at the entrance of your facility to remind visitors they must register at the office to gain access to the grounds.
3. Use Multiple Forms of Surveillance
Of course, you should have video surveillance and employees around to keep an eye on the property, but that may not be enough, especially if your warehouse has recently grown in size. Fire alarms and motion sensor lights make excellent security features. In addition, onsite security checkpoints built to spot-check inventory can be useful in catching burglaries in progress.
Local authorities can also help protect your private property. You can make arrangements with the local police to perform regular nightly rounds at your facilities to watch for suspicious activities. A police presence can adequately discourage your average burglar.
4. Hire a Security Guard at Night
Obviously, the most vulnerable time for burglary is at night when there’s a cover of darkness and fewer people around. In addition to setting up multiple security measures, hire a security guard to monitor each of these measures after hours. Like having a police presence, an armed guard can discourage petty crime.
5. Require Uniforms and Name Badges
As your operations grow, it will become more difficult for all employees to recognize each other. Name badges and uniforms can help your employees distinguish between fellow employees, visitors, and intruders. In addition, it’s more difficult for a thief to impersonate an employee when a uniform and badge is compulsory.
These security tips and more can severely limit the number of crime opportunities you’ll face – and if crime does strike, you’ll be ready to handle it.
