Theft from commercial and retail businesses remains high in South Africa. It ranges from in-store shoplifting to large scale theft of merchandise from warehouses, stores, and distribution networks. Layering up different types of security is essential for complete protection. Here’s why high-security burglar guards should be part of the mix.
Superior Protection Against Forced Entry
All commercial security breaches lead to unnecessary expenses. It doesn’t matter whether the enterprise is small, medium or large, forced entry into a building creates financial holes and other negative knock-on effects.
The most effective way of avoiding these losses is to stop the security breaches in their tracks. High-strength burglar guards and security gates are designed to successfully discourage unauthorised entry. Criminals struggle to breach these burglar guards, encouraging them to move on to softer targets or face the risk of discovery.
In contrast, poor quality (and often but not always cheaper) products don’t prioritise strength. The focus is on being a hopeful deterrent rather than an effective one. They are quick to breach, giving burglars enough time to take what they’re after and get out of the building.
High-strength burglar guards for windows and doors are manufactured to withstand the tools and techniques commonly used by burglars. These include crowbars, hammers, and cutting tools. Flimsier physical security solutions are likely to fail under similar circumstances. This is obviously going to be more costly in the long run.
Trellidor is the leader in barrier security design because each is engineered with strength-under-attack in mind. Even products in the attractive ‘lifestyle’ ranges include strengthening elements. If strength isn’t the starting point, then the barriers can’t be expected to be effective in a crisis.
Effective Visual Deterrent
The visual impact of high-strength security burglar bars on doors and windows shouldn’t be underestimated. They send a clear message to potential intruders that the building is well-protected. This in turn reduces the likelihood of attempted break-ins. Cosmetic solutions lack this psychological barrier and many organised criminals know the difference.
Visual deterrents are not just for the exterior of the commercial building. Trellidor teams have developed solutions for vulnerable areas within a large store. These solutions block off sections of the store or office building so that if criminals get into a building they have another difficult obstacle to face to get to what they’re after.
Some examples include cigarette, perfume, alcohol, and electronic goods counters inside retail outlets. In these cases, high-security models within the Trellidor range were specified for their superior strength and design.
These lock-up solutions come into effect after-hours when the store is closed for business. They consist of Trellidor lock-down roller shutter designs or a combination of roller shutters and other products like mesh security screens.
Tailored Security for Commercial Needs
The high-security systems mentioned above can be tailored to address specific weak points in a property. This contrasts with one-size-fits-all cosmetic options where there is little choice.
A customised solution includes a range of designs and prices to specifically suit each area within the premises. A custom-made barrier security plan can be integrated with alarms, surveillance cameras, and access control systems to create a comprehensive security network.
The job of burglar guards for windows and doors in a security plan is to:
- Block access to various sensitive areas within the building, such as storage rooms.
- Protect the building from unauthorised access during off-hours.
- Direct customers and visitors away from restricted access areas within the commercial property.
- Deter or slow down a criminal attack on the building.
- Provide armed response and other law enforcement time to respond and apprehend the perpetrators.
- Prevent vandals from breaking windows to get inside the commercial premises.
- Stop looters from getting into a building if they manage to break doors and windows.
Minimise the Cost of Crime
The upfront costs of installing high-strength burglar guards and doors may be perceived to be high. But in the longer term it pays off immeasurably. Strong and reliable physical protection helps to prevent expensive losses from theft, vandalism, and the loss of trade while repairs are being done.
There are insurance benefits too. Commercial property insurance costs in South Africa spiralled upwards after the KwaZulu-Natal riots of some years ago due to the spike in claims. Enhanced security can lead to lower insurance rates if insurers are prepared to take this into account. It offsets the initial costs of installing good quality burglar guards and security gates to prevent further losses.
Another aspect to the heavy cost of crime is that commercial buildings often house expensive equipment, sensitive data, and valuable inventory. A high level of protection that stops this type of theft effectively avoids the costs of replacement.
Cheap solutions may be adequate for low crime risk environments, but in reality, few commercial properties in South Africa can claim to be low risk. It makes far more economic sense to install high strength burglar guards that are robust under attack.
Protection of People, Products, and Reputation
A break-in caused by inadequate security can harm a company’s reputation. Customers may stay away for a while, negatively affecting trade. Employee absenteeism may increase due to fear of a repeat attack.
A secure building gives clients, customers, and employees the confidence to use the building safely. A well protected building reassures people that their safety is important to the business and enhances the company’s reputation. Customers can visit the premises knowing that they are protected from criminals as far as possible, and employees feel safe going to work each day.
Long-term Savings with High-Security Burglar Guards
In the longer term, superior quality burglar guards for windows and doors save money and make best use of the available budget.
Choosing the best quality barrier protection gives the commercial property owners the benefit of:
- Durability: All Trellidor security guard barriers are made from superior materials that are treated for resistance to rust, weather, and tampering. During manufacturing, they go through an anti-corrosion and UV protection treatment before powder coating. The powder coating itself process is world-class and provides a smooth, top quality finish that adds to the barrier’s durability.
- Longevity: Poorly designed burglar guards may deteriorate quickly, leading to frequent replacements and increased costs over time. Superior quality door and window burglar guards last far longer and in better condition. Maintenance is simply a matter of cleaning the products regularly and according to instructions.
High-security Trellidor Burglar Guard Ranges
High-security burglar guards provide confidence that the commercial property is well-protected. It allows business owners and managers to focus on operations rather than security concerns. Trellidor has a range of options to suit commercial enterprises and company security experts work alongside specifiers to find the most effective solution.
Some high-quality Trellidor designs to explore include:
- Traditional Trellidor Retractable Security sliding gates for doors and windows.
- A selection of burglar bar designs including Trellidor Burglar Guard.
- Motorised aluminium roller shutters.
- Sectional overhead doors with safety glass panels.
- Mesh security screens for doors and windows.
In conclusion, high-security burglar guards in commercial properties provide peace of mind. Solutions that are simply cosmetic can create a false sense of security. They leave the property vulnerable to break-ins and costly damages.
In contrast, an investment in high-security burglar guards for doors and windows ensures robust protection. They lead to long-term savings, making them a smarter choice for commercial buildings.
