Alarm systems are what most business owners consider to be the heart of their security infrastructure.

They’re not.

Alarm systems respond. They activate after a criminal is already inside your building. At which point, of course, it’s already too late – windows broken, goods stolen, and a repair bill sitting on your desk that nobody expected.

True security starts long before your alarm has a chance to go off. It starts at your shopfront.

This Article Covers:

1. Why alarms can’t be your only security layer
2. What makes up your physical first line of defense
3. Everything you need to know about custom security shutter systems
4. What to look for when choosing a shutter system
5. How to layer your security effectively

Why Alarms Can’t Be Your Only Security Layer

Did you know….

Most burglars can bypass alarm systems.

Wire-cutters. Pulling alarm bells off their mountings and filling them with expanding foam. Ringing alarms until people stop answering their phones.

They’re all tactics which criminals use to beat alarm systems — and ones which are documented by the National Business Crime Centre in their commercial burglary prevention advice guide.

The trouble is they know they work. Which is why alarms on their own are not enough.

In one year, UK businesses lost £12.9 billion worth of stock and assets — more than triple the amount lost to cyber crime. And 28% of UK businesses reported being victims of crime within the last year alone.

It’s an alarming statistic.

Which means if you’re relying solely on an alarm system to protect your stock you’re relying on good luck, not good security.

Your Physical First Line of Defense

When it comes to burglaries, time is of the essence.

Criminals want to get in and out as quickly as possible. If your property can slow them down, make them worried about being seen or heard — you significantly reduce their chances of succeeding.

And the best place to start that process is at the shopfront.

Tailored security shutter systems to be precise.

Companies like Pressford Shutters & Shopfronts Ltd specialize in creating and fitting security shutter systems which are built around the unique requirements and vulnerabilities of commercial premises.

Simply put, a custom security shutter system forces would-be burglars to ask themselves a simple question:

Do they:

• Spend several minutes attempting to break through a physical barrier right outside the window
• Make lots of noise whilst trying to gain entry
• Be seen or heard by passing traffic and pedestrians
• Give up and try again at your next door neighbor’s?

The answer? Nine times out of ten, they’ll keep looking for an easier target.

That’s your physical first line of defense at work.

Custom Security Shutter Systems Explained

What sort of shutter is right for the job?

Good question! But also where many business owners go wrong.

Flip-down roller shutters may look like they provide security, but that is only true against opportunist criminals.

If someone is sat in the street with a drill or bolt cropper, your security ‘wins’ are on borrowed time.

That’s why custom security shutter systems are different.

Engineered to meet the exact specifications of your premises. Designed to protect your property based on where a burglar is most likely to attack first.

Things like:

• The type of stock you keep in
• Size of your shopfront glass panels
• Construction method of your door frames

All these things (and more) are considered when specifying the right shutter system for your premises.

A proper install will:

• Prevent would-be burglars from seeing inside your premises overnight
• Remove convenient access through your shopfront’s weakest point — the glazing and doors
• Buy you more time by adding a physical barrier which needs to be defeated before they can gain entry
• Provide a great working base for your CCTV, alarms, and lighting to work alongside

Speaking of which….

Shutters are not a replacement for your other security systems. Think of them as layer 1. The outer-most layer your other precautions are built around.

What to Look for in a Shutter System

Shutter systems can be confusing.

Nobody likes choosing the wrong type! So here’s what to look for:

Material & build. Steel & aluminum are by far the two most popular choices when it comes to commercial grade shutters. Steel offers the best forced-entry resistance. Aluminum is lighter and better for larger openings which need to move freely every day.

Locking mechanism. Shutter curtains are only as good as the locks holding them closed. Look for multiple locking points, reinforced bottom rails & lift protection on any shutter you’re considering.

Fit. As mentioned above, custom = made to measure. Poorly fitting guide channels, gaps around the edges and wonky bottom rails are invitations to come back and try again later.

Gets gets installed outside? You may need planning permission. Will your installer sort this? If they don’t ask then they aren’t a reputable company.

Visibility. Not all shutters are solid slabs of metal. Perforated or vision slat shutters let you see out (and others see in) when they’re closed. This is important because solid shutters can actually deter passers-by from walking past your premises once it’s dark, according to West Yorkshire Police. Which ironically can lead to higher crime rates. Whether this is right for you will depend on where your premises is located.

Layering Your Security Correctly

Think of your security in layers.

For every layer a burglar has to defeat they need to spend more time inside your store, make more noise, and take greater risks.

Layers start at the front of your store. With your shopfront.

Layer 1: The Shopfront

Security shutters fitted to cover all primary entry points. Sized appropriately for your shopfront and specified with the correct material.

Layer 2: The Glazing

Attack resistant laminated glass or security film applied to the back of the shutters.

Layer 3: Your Internal Systems

Monitored alarms, CCTV strategically placed around your store, and motion activated security lighting.

Layer 4: Stock Control

Remove high value items from window displays overnight. Keep your till open and empty to give the illusion that there is nothing worth stealing.

If someone can’t immediately see how they’re going to make money from breaking in, they’re far less likely to try.

Get your shopfront secured, and the other layers become a whole lot more effective at doing their job. Alarms, CCTV, and smart locks don’t have to compensate for being able to see everything you’ve got on display.

Security Takeaway

Here’s a simple fact…

The alarm system notifies you that a burglary is happening. Security shutters prevent it from happening altogether.

And if you own a commercial property Georgetown, taking steps to prevent a burglary is a lot more useful than just knowing one happened.

Start with your shopfront and work from there.