Protect Your Small Business from Burglars

In North Texas police are seeking the public’s help. More than two dozen Subway restaurants have been burglarized and investigators believe one man is responsible for all of the break-ins. Why Subway? Authorities do not know.

In January, surveillance security cameras caught an image of the suspect but the picture has not produced any leads. In all of the burglaries the suspect enters the restaurants late at night or in the early morning stealing money from cash boxes and safes. He has also stolen a computer at one restaurant. It is unclear if he is working alone or has an accomplice helping him.

It is apparent that the suspect is a professional. In the surveillance photo he is wearing gloves and a hooded jacket to hide his identity. So far he has robbed locations in 12 Texas cities – Bedford, Colleyville, Grapevine, Denton, Arlington, Irving, Coppell, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Carrollton and Richardson.

Finding this criminal proves difficult for law enforcement officials. Local businesses in the area should be on guard and consider making security upgrades. If you’re a small business owner, here are some quick and easy improvements you can make to help your business be more secure:

• Lighting: bright lighting both indoors and out will make it easy for passersby to see any suspicious activity. Not to mention, your business is less likely to be targeted if the burglar thinks they’ll be easily seen.
• Fence: If possible install a fence around the perimeter of your property. This will make it difficult for a burglar to access your business without looking suspicious. However, it’s important that you do not install a tall privacy fence that they’ll be able to hide behind. Instead choose an option that can be seen through like chain-link, picket, rail, etc.
• Locks: Install proper locks on all exterior doors. You may even want to even consider using padlocks for added protection.  
• Alarm system: Adding a security system is one of the best ways to stay protected. If you’re looking for a reliable and cost-efficient alarm system, wireless security is the way to go. This system is superior to the traditional hard-wired system because it is cost-efficient and easy to install.
• Sensors: Placing motion and glass-break sensors inside of your business is a great idea. If a burglar breaks the glass to gain access inside the alarm will immediately go off. Or, if they pick a lock and open any monitored door or window the alarm will go off. Either way, they’re not getting past the LifeShield system un-noticed.

Installing a security system is one of the best ways to keep your business safe. At LifeShield, we want you to be as knowledgeable as you can about security. Following these additional precautions will strengthen your know-how, protection, and peace of mind.