Boo! We know Halloween can be scary. It is especially scary for those in charge of security at commercial businesses. Halloween may look a little different this year, but one thing will remain the same: businesses will be more susceptible to cargo and commercial theft. Halloween is known as a day of vandalism and property damage. In fact, the city of Los Angeles alone, “sees an average of about 150 more crimes on Halloween than on a normal day, a 26% increase, according to 2014-2018 data from the Los Angeles Police Department.”
Don’t be spooked by these high crime trends, 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 holidays. 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 companies 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, which are 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 the 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, such as 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, such as a truck stop, 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 remaining vigilant in the never-ending fight against cargo theft will help keep your business safe. Being cautious is the easiest way to make Halloween less spooky this year.
For even more peace of mind this Halloween weekend, Contact AMAROK today to receive a free site security evaluation for a perimeter security system.
About AMAROK:
AMAROK™ is a full-perimeter security company based in Columbia, South Carolina, that provides commercial security services throughout the United States and Canada. Specializing in electric fencing and perimeter security systems for commercial properties, AMAROK also provides supplemental surveillance solutions, including cameras, lights, and alarms. Together, these business security services form the ultimate crime prevention solution for any business.
