Designing for Security

• Light all exterior points of entry with permanent fixtures that are difficult to reach or tamper with.

• Light the interior of your business enough that someone outside the building could see someone inside.

• Install a fence or hedge -- it's your first line of defense.

• You should be able to see through the fence.

• Hedges should be wide, rather than high, and of a prickly, thorny variety.

• Install window locks designed and positioned so they cannot be reached and unlocked after breaking the glass.

• Install safety glass (glazing). It is highly effective at deterring break-ins.

• Install a deadbolt lock/latch in each exterior door.

• Lock overhead and receiving doors with high-quality padlocks.

• Be sure you have adequate lighting both inside and outside your business.

• Exterior lighting should illuminate dark areas around your building and parking lots.