LOCKING IN SHOP SECURITY

Motor,  Feb 2004  by Bell, Sam

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Each day, your shop is exposed to a range of visible and invisible security threats. This article (the first of two parts) helps you plan a defensive strategy.

Mention "shop security" and most people think of burglar alarms, steel gates and/or maybe a patrolling canine to keep intruders out. Well, that's only one kind of threat, and merely the tip of the iceberg. As a shop owner, you have to take a larger, more global view of the topic of shop security. That means thinking of everything from, yes, the basic burglar alarm to inventory control programs, fire prevention and suppression systems, carbon monoxide alarms, disability and business interruption insurance, life insurance for key employees, a sound business succession plan and a comprehensive liability insurance program.

This first installment of a two-part report outlines the basic elements needed to provide an acceptable level of physical protection. Be aware, though, that you'll need to adjust these recommendations throughout to meet the needs of your area. For example, a shop in a high-crime urban area might need a motion detector alarm and 24/7 multicamera video surveillance of its locked parking lot, while simply blocking off the parking lot driveway with your tow truck or a chain might suffice in a more rural setting.

What needs protecting in your shop? The obvious minimum answers are the shop space and equipment; tools (both the shop's tools and mechanics' personal arsenal); other shop property, including records, cash, checks and inventory; and customers' cars and other property. You'll also need to think about what type and level of protection are required. Bear in mind, though, that, according to experts, a truly determined and sophisticated thief can only be slowed down, not stopped.

Securing the Physical Plant

Standard alarm systems monitor all building entrances, typically with magnetic sensors or hard-wired door switches. Windows and skylights are monitored with vibration sensors (although the heavy bass of many mobile sound systems might set them off) or wired-in-series window tape.

Motion detectors are a widely available option, but if used alone can sometimes trigger false alarms. Many experts suggest combining infrared (body heat) and motion sensors. If your shop has a guard dog, a mascot cat or other small animals, look into a "pet-safe" motion detector, which can be set to ignore moving objects below a certain size/weight threshold. Some experts advise that both types of sensors wired in tandem greatly reduce the possibility of false alarms-if a bird flies into your shop and won't leave, for example. Requiring that both infrared and motion sensors in a given zone simultaneously register an intruder reduces the incidence of false alarms.

Another option is video monitoring, which can take several forms, from onsite closed-circuit real-time video, through motion-activated video-recording, to off-site motion detector-activated real-time surveillance. Some systems even have the ability to zoom in and track moving objects automatically. One obvious advantage of video is the increased likelihood of positive identification of any intruders.

Initial equipment and installation costs for sophisticated systems can be relatively high, but using modestly priced "web-cams" coupled to a dedicated computer with a large hard drive can provide an adequate level ot surveillance for a lot less.

The law absolutely prohibits you from resorting to deadly or dangerous tactics to prevent or deter theft. You may not, for example, rig your office doorknob to electrocute a would-be trespasser, nor may you couple a door switch to a shotgun trigger. Such dangerous and potentially lethal booby traps are a definite no-no.

You may possess the requisite skills to install an alarm system yourself. For most shop owners, however, the time required can be spent more effectively at income-producing tasks. And, of course, professional installers have greater familiarity and experience with both the equipment and installation procedures.

Professional security firms make their money from the monthly monitoring charges, not from installation fees. Both types of fees vaiy by location, equipment, desired services and company, so chock several providers in your area before making a decision. The most sophisticated systems can cost several thousand dollars and entail monthly fees in the hundreds.

If you choose to install your own system, you'll also need to decide how to monitor it: How and where will the system notify you of a problem? Who else will be notified in the event you do not or cannot respond?

Most professionally installed systems provide a battery backup power system, on-site alarm klaxon and/or lights and keypads located near each authorized entrance. There's a short delay period-typically 30 seconds-after the door is opened for you to enter your personal identification number (PIN) into the keypad before the alarm sounds. Each authorized member of the staff may be assigned a unique PIN, or you can all use the same one. At closing time, simply enter your PIN and exit within the delay period-usually 90 seconds-before the alarm fully arms.