Managing a business in 2024 involves handling multiple challenges—ensuring employee safety, retaining top talent, maintaining a strong brand reputation, and keeping the business profitable. It’s a complex task that no business owner should have to face alone.

To help you navigate these challenges, we consulted two experts: David Ballard and Rich McElwain, Flock Safety Solutions Consultants. With over 35 years of combined experience in law enforcement and criminal investigations, they provide invaluable insights into creating safer business environments.

This 7-part series offers practical strategies based on their extensive knowledge, aimed at enhancing security, protecting employees and visitors, and safeguarding your business reputation. 

Discover more security strategies for your business in our guide: 7 Security Strategies From Law Enforcement Investigators.

Securing your business’s entrances is a critical aspect of any comprehensive security strategy. Potential offenders often exploit poorly secured entrances to gain access to valuable assets. By ensuring that all entrances are well-protected with advanced technologies like license plate reader cameras (LPR cameras), you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and criminal activity.

Comprehensive Entrance Security: A Vital Step in Proactive Crime Prevention

Entrances are among the most vulnerable points of any property. Potential offenders study their targets and look for weak spots, such as poorly lit areas or unmonitored back doors. Securing all entrances, including main and secondary access points, with license plate recognition cameras and other security measures, is essential to create a robust security perimeter.

Key Considerations for Entrance Security

When securing your entrances, consider the following key points:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Ensure that all entrances, including back doors, loading docks, and emergency exits, are covered by your security systems. Potentials offenders often exploit secondary entrances, so it’s crucial to provide equal protection to all access points. Implementing LPR cameras at every entrance can enhance monitoring capabilities and deter unauthorized access.
• Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential for deterring criminal activity. Ensure that all entrances are well-lit, especially during off-hours. Motion-activated lights can be particularly effective in surprising and deterring potential intruders, complementing the coverage provided by LPR cameras.
• Visible Deterrents: Install visible deterrents, such as security cameras, LPR cameras, and signage, to signal to potential offenders that your property is well-protected. These deterrents can discourage unauthorized access and reduce the likelihood of criminal activity.

What Does It Look Like to Safeguard Every Entrance?

Consider a retail business that implements advanced security solutions, such as license plate reader cameras and live video, to secure all entrances. By installing LPR systems and live video at every entrance, the business creates a comprehensive security perimeter.

One evening, the LPR camera system detects a suspicious vehicle near the back entrance. The vehicle had been flagged for previous incidents at other locations. The system immediately alerts security personnel, who access the live video feed and see the occupants attempting to gain access through the back door. The video system captures clear footage of the suspects, allowing security personnel to quickly contact law enforcement with actionable information. Officers then arrive on the scene and apprehend the suspects before any damage is done.

This scenario highlights the importance of securing all entrances with license plate recognition cameras and other advanced technologies. By leveraging these tools and ensuring comprehensive coverage, the business was able to prevent unauthorized access and protect its assets.

Conclusion

Securing all entrances is a fundamental aspect of a robust security strategy. By focusing on comprehensive coverage, adequate lighting, and visible deterrents like license plate reader cameras, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and criminal activity. Investing in advanced security solutions, such as LPR cameras, and implementing a thorough entrance security plan is essential for safeguarding your property and assets.

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