Business Risks
In addition to the ‘human element’, your practice has other exposures that should be addressed. Such as: unlawful entry, theft, fraud and fire among others.
External security measures are vital in protecting your practice from intrusion or damage.
Key points to consider:
Awareness
Security begins with an awareness of vulnerability. A converted freestanding house on the fringe of a shopping centre is clearly a more accessible target for thieves than a practice in a patrolled shopping centre or a professional suite.
Shine a light
Criminal activity is often opportunistic: thieves look for a safe place in which to do their work . Adequate external lighting and well-trimmed shrubbery will avoid providing a concealed space to work.
Secure all points
Strong doors and windows fitted with deadlocks or deadbolts are just the start! It is equally important to secure weak points such as skylights, adjoining walls or manholes - these points are precisely the weaknesses that intruders seek out !
Key and code registers
All keys and codes given to trusted personnel should be logged and, in the case of codes, changed regularly. Keys and codes should reflect zones in the practice and limit access according to need.
Get the picture
Closed Circuit Cameras (CCCs) have become more affordable over the past 10 years. They can be both preventative and part of evidence-gathering, particularly if your practice is the target of graffiti or other malicious damage.
It pays to advertise!
Your security investment should be well signposted: discreet but visible signage shows potential thieves that the premises is protected and monitored.
Internal security includes alarm systems and protection against theft, fire, and so on …
Good security combines the management of behaviour and the physical environment. Correct work practices can deter dishonesty while surveillance and protective devices can offer 24-hour protection.
Monitored alarms
We all know the annoyance of a burglar alarm wailing endlessly into the night. A tripped alarm can cause thieves to clear out quickly. But just as likely they’ll finish their ‘work’ safe in the knowledge that most alarms don’t bring a response. Monitored alarms are the answer: a Grade 1 monitored alarm will register a security breach and despatch the appropriate response. Note : From the 31 December 2009 the technology used to monitor alarms (known as securitel) will be shutdown. Check with your security provider to ensure that your alarm system will continue protecting your premises beyond this date.
False alarms
False alarms should be rare with any well-installed system and will usually occur in the first week or so. Fine tuning should prevent false alarms triggered by air movement. Check sensor operation and position after any structural changes at the practice.
Smoke alarms
Smoke alarms should be linked to the monitored alarm to provide a complete response for fire and break-in. Stand alone domestic smoke alarms are ineffective in an empty practice.
Fire – hotspots
All electrical and heating equipment has the potential to be a fire risk. The solution is to maintain a regime of inspection and maintenance, checking all electrical equipment annually and labelled as safe or sent for repair. Heat can build-up in older computer monitors when blocked by books and papers, causing them to ignite.
Cash
Any cash left on the premises overnight should be stored in a safe. Filing cabinets and desk drawers don’t have the strength to resist jemmying. Except where these hold confidential documents it’s best to leave them unlocked: offenders searching for drugs or cash will only damage a locked drawer or cabinet. Leave the petty cash tin open on the office desk with small change to deter intruders from breaking into other areas.
As good as cash
Vouchers, cheques and credit card slips fall into the category of “convertibles” – they are as good as cash and require handling which prevents loss or theft.
