Imagine arriving at your small business in Vancouver’s Chinatown, only to find shattered glass littering the sidewalk and your front window smashed—another victim of the increasing break-ins tied to the area’s rising crime and homelessness crisis. Unfortunately, this scenario has become all too common, with property crime surging by 10.5% over the past year.
Wherever your business is located, I want to provide you with some proven strategies to secure your small business from break-ins in Vancouver and stop you from becoming the next statistic.
How to Secure Your Small Business in Vancouver from Break-Ins
1. Assess Vulnerabilities
To secure your business from break-ins, focus on identifying your weak points:
Are doors and windows properly secured?
Are side or back entrances easy to access?
Do cameras cover all areas, including blind spots?
Is the lighting sufficient, especially in alleys or parking lots?
2. Install a Commercial Security System
Dealing with smashed windows or forced entry is a nightmare for any business owner. The time and money spent on repairs—not to mention the sense of vulnerability can be overwhelming. A well-chosen security system can help prevent these situations.
Pick a security system that has:
Instant Alerts: Get notified immediately if something happens, like an unexpected door opening or movement after hours, so you can take action before any real damage is done.
24/7 Monitoring: With constant professional monitoring, you don’t have to worry about missing an alert. Help is dispatched as soon as a problem is detected.
Remote Access: Monitor everything from your phone, whether it’s checking security cameras or locking up after hours. You stay in control, even when you’re not on-site.
Integrated Protection: Combine alarms, cameras and locks into a single system that covers all the bases. These setups are often easy to use and don’t require major installations, making them perfect for small businesses.
Popular choices include:
Best For: Small businesses looking for an easy-to-install, affordable security system.
Features:
Instant alerts for break-ins
Remote monitoring via mobile app
Motion sensors and glass-break detection
24/7 professional monitoring
Why It’s a Good Fit: SimpliSafe is great for businesses that want a no-fuss setup. You can manage everything from your phone, and it’s designed for small business owners who need solid protection without complicated contracts or installations.
Best For: Businesses needing secure access control.
Features:
Keyless entry with touchscreen keypad
Compatible with smart home systems (Google, Alexa)
Auto-lock function for added security
Remote access via mobile app
Why It’s a Good Fit: This smart lock offers high security and easy access control. It’s ideal for businesses that have multiple employees or vendors entering the premises and need to track who’s coming and going.
Best For: Business owners who don't want monthly fees.
Features:
5MP Ultra HD resolution for clear, detailed images
3D motion detection to reduce false alarms
180-day battery life from one charge
No Monthly Fees: Built-in 8GB memory for local video storage—no need for cloud subscriptions
Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for easy voice control
Dual-band WiFi (2.4/5 GHz) for strong connectivity
Why It’s a Good Fit: The AOSU doorbell camera is perfect for small businesses that want a reliable security system without monthly subscription fees.
3. Strengthen Physical Barriers
Even with a great security system, physical barriers can help deter potential criminals from targeting your business. Consider these measures:
Reinforced Glass: Installing shatterproof or tempered glass in your windows can prevent easy break-ins.
Security Grilles or Bars: For businesses in high-risk areas, adding grilles or bars on windows can be a strong deterrent.
Heavy-Duty Doors: Invest in solid core doors with deadbolts to make forced entry more difficult.
These barriers not only make it harder for intruders to enter but also serve as a visual deterrent that could make them think twice about targeting your business.
For example:
4. Improve Lighting and Visibility
Criminals tend to avoid well-lit areas. Increasing the visibility around your business can reduce the chances of a break-in.
Here's what you can do:
Exterior Lighting: Install motion-activated lights around your property, especially near entrances and parking areas.
Interior Lighting: Keep some interior lights on after business hours. A well-lit store signals that the business is under watch.
Clear Landscaping: Trim bushes and trees around windows or entrances to eliminate hiding spots for potential intruders.
For example:
5. Implement Employee Security Training
Your employees are the first line of defense when it comes to securing your business. Regular security training can help them respond effectively to potential threats:
Alarm Procedures: Ensure employees know how to activate the alarm system and respond to any alerts.
Visitor Protocols: Train staff to verify the identity of visitors and control access to restricted areas.
Emergency Plans: Develop clear action plans for responding to a break-in, including calling authorities and notifying management.
6. Use Smart Technology for Added Security
Modern smart technology allows business owners to monitor and control security features more efficiently. Consider incorporating:
Smart Locks and Access Control: Manage who can enter your business through keyless systems or remote lock controls.
Cloud-Connected Cameras: Store footage securely in the cloud, making it easier to review in case of an incident.
Environmental Sensors: Install sensors for smoke, water leaks, or temperature fluctuations to catch issues before they become critical.
7. Secure Your Inventory and Cash
Many criminals are after quick, high-value targets. Safeguard your inventory and cash flow with these strategies:
Lock Up High-Value Items: Use locked display cases or secure storage rooms for expensive products.
Use a Safe: Install a high-quality safe for cash, checks, or important documents, and ensure it’s bolted to the floor.
Limit Cash On-Site: Deposit cash regularly and limit the amount kept in-store overnight.
Final Thoughts: Stay Proactive and Prepared
In a city where property crime is on the rise, it’s essential to be proactive about your business security. By assessing vulnerabilities, installing a comprehensive security system, improving lighting, and training your employees, you can significantly reduce your risk of break-ins. Stay safe and continue to review and upgrade your security measures to keep your business safe.