Tips: Crime Proof Your Office

Universal Protection Service offers tips to crime proof your office.
  • Allow limited access to the space; use only one entry while allowing for the appropriate number of emergency exits. Do not leave hallway doors unlocked.
  • Keep your office doors locked and control who comes in, especially if you are alone.
  • Keep reception area monitored during all working hours, particularly during office hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and just before and after closing. It is important to make sure that the reception area is covered during lunch hours as this is a notorious time for office thefts.
  • Request company identification of all persons entering the office to perform servicing or repairs. Before allowing entry make certain that service was requested.
  • Prohibit access by people who do not have the name of the specific employee on whom they are calling.
  • Do not allow removal of equipment by anyone without first obtaining proper authorization by your company supervisor.
  • Do not allow messenger services into office areas or pass the reception desk. Do not keep items to be sent by messenger out in the open.
  • Never hang valuable coats in easily accessible closets in waiting rooms or uncontrolled locations.
  • Train all employees to keep wallets, purses and other valuables locked in a drawer. Thieves know to look under desks, in jackets hanging behind your door, and in other obvious spots.
  • Lock up laptops and notebook computers.
  • Never invite solicitors into your office. They may be simply doing some “window shopping” and memorizing the layout of your office.
  • Restrooms should be locked. Tenants already in the restrooms should not give access to any one they do not know. The receptionist should never give out keys to the restroom unless the person is a legitimate visitor.
  • Always notify security when you work late. This will assist in notification if a building emergency occurs and will alert the security officer to keep watch over you. Call security when you are ready to leave the office so th officer will expect you in the lobby.
  • Notify security of any suspicious people in the hallways, common areas, or your office space.
  • Consider installing visible cameras in lobby, hallways and exits.
  • Never enter a door that has been pried open. If a door seems forced open after hours, do not enter the space alone. Go back to the lobby security station and advise the security officer who will call police and other security personnel.
  • Remember, confront a stranger with a simple “May I Help you?” has stopped more theft than we will ever know.
  • An employee should always escort visitors entering and exiting the office suite.

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.