We don't like to think about it, but when it comes to security issues, we're better off taking proactive steps to ensure we're safe than face the consequences. While we often take a stand when we're securing our home, we tend to be more lax when it comes to securing our workplace.
Maybe that is because we assume it is someone else's responsibility. The fact is, security is everyone's responsibility and the steps you take now can keep you and everyone you work with safer.
Here are some basic tips to get you started.
They will not only make your workplace more secure, but help prevent theft as well.
- Challenge visitors or individuals walking through your office. Try to determine who they are visiting by asking if they need assistance.
- Do not let anyone into the building with your access keys or card as you enter after regular business hours.
- If you find a building entry door propped open after normal hours, close it.
- During the winter months when it gets darker earlier in the day, consider using a buddy system when you leave the building at night.
- Take your keys out of your pocket or purse before leaving the building. Ladies, don't try to find your keys in your purse once you reach your car.
- Keep valuables in your car hidden and doors locked.
- Never leave your reception area unattended or entrance doors propped open.
- Always keep valuables out of sight, including purses, cash and stamps. Lock them in a desk drawer or file cabinet if possible.
- Place small pocket calculators or recorders in desk drawers when not in use.
- Do not allow unknown or unexpected service or repair personnel free access to your office space.
Beware! The following are some common pretenses used by thieves to gain entrance into offices or to distract you:
- A thief may engage you in conversation while mentally making a survey of your office and return later.
- A thief may call and fabricate a reason for you to leave the office so that an accomplice may enter.
- Be aware of solicitors. Even though some of these people are legitimate, others are only "casing" the area for a potential future burglary.
