This year, Memorial Day may look a little different, but one thing will remain the same: businesses will be more susceptible to cargo and commercial theft (up to 52 percent more, to be exact). It’s more important than ever to protect your business, because SensiGuard estimates the average value of each cargo theft at a whopping $155,709. I don’t know about you, but I can think of a few things I’d rather do with that money.
We’ve compiled a list of tips to help keep you and your business as safe as possible. While some of these tasks may seem small or obvious, the need to be vigilant doesn’t stop for anyone. Taking these precautions could be the difference between a safe and restful weekend or a preventable, expensive headache.
For Facilities:
- Check security alarm and surveillance systems to ensure proper working order.
- Test security systems — including AMAROK — to ensure that the entire system is functioning and that monitoring company(ies) are receiving signals.
- If there is a fault in your AMAROK system, skilled technicians are available 24/7 for troubleshooting on the phone. In many situations, issues can be resolved within a day.
- Ensure batteries are fresh in exit doors and in backup cell phones (used to maintain alarm reporting, if phone lines are compromised).
- Perform perimeter checks, look at your electric fence, non-electrified fence, and other types of barriers to ensure they are properly secured.
- Check perimeter lighting to ensure lights are on and replace any non-working fixtures. Review timer so that lights come on while the facility is closed.
- Use a non-integrated alarm backup system with verified response capabilities.
- Ensure company alarm call list is current and contains valid phone numbers. Require responsible persons to respond to all alarm calls even if the system is suspected of malfunctioning.
- Contact law enforcement and ask for additional patrols in the area.
- Remove keys from all warehouse equipment (forklifts) and place them in a secure location.
For Freight In-Transit:
- If you have to leave your rig or loaded trailer unattended, look for a secure lot or authorized location to leave vehicles.
- If forced to leave vehicles at a public facility (truck stop, etc.) pick one that is well lit and utilizes surveillance equipment. Park within view of the camera.
- Secure the tractor and trailer with a steering wheel locking device, kingpin locks, glad-hand locks (or other security equipment). Put industrial strength padlocks on trailer doors.
- Do NOT leave keys inside the tractor.
- Check on the unattended vehicles as frequently as possible.
It may seem daunting, but by remaining vigilant in the never-ending fight against cargo theft, you can help keep your business safe and prevent it from being a victim of crime. Then, you can focus on celebrating the holiday weekend stress-free.
For even more peace of mind this Memorial Day weekend, Contact AMAROK today to receive a free site security evaluation for a perimeter security system.
