How to Prevent Theft & Improve Warehouse Security without Spending Heavily

| December 12, 2012
Warehouse, Green Logistics Co., Kotka, Finland

Warehouse, Green Logistics Co., Kotka, Finland (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Protecting your inventory is a must when you are running a large or even small warehouse facility. Remember that warehouse theft will not only result in inventory loss, but it can also affect your day to day business operations.

There are some important points to consider when you are looking to protect your business. Ignoring these points will make it easy for people with malicious intent to steal from the stock. Keep on reading to know the loopholes that you need to secure, and stop the theft before it turns into a menace for your business (or any other business who decides to use your warehouse facility).

Building Layout

  • To ensure the security, you first need to take a look at your building layout. There may be things you’ve never paid attention. One of the first things to consider is the place where the dumpsters and trash bins are located. If these are near your doors or exit points it is going to be an easy job for a person to throw items “in the trash” and take it with them while leaving. It just makes it quite simple to walk out with the items without you even noticing.
  • Second, you need to consider how many doors or entry points you have got in your warehouse. You need to choose one main door for coming in and going out for your staff or anybody else who is visiting the warehouse, to stop someone from sneaking inventory out from another door. Limiting then entry points will make it easy for you to keep check on people going in and out. The chosen door needs to be in a general area that is well-lit and secure.
  • Third, take a look at the parking site. Try to make sure that the parking area is at a safe distance from the door. This is another channel that someone can use for stealing from the warehouse. If parking is too close to the doors they might sneak things into their vehicles when you are least expecting and then drive away without getting caught.
  • Lastly, make sure that all hedges and bushes are kept at short heights. Make sure that the place is neat and clean because clutter and messy stock will only make it easier for someone with nefarious intentions.

Security Systems

There are many different types of security and alarm systems that you can choose from. You can choose from video monitoring, motion sensors, and alarm beams. These systems are typically monitored by a company that will alert the police or fire departments when needed. It might look like a costly investment at first, but it can save you a lot of money and trouble in the longer run. Using CCTV camera or similar equipment is a must if you are storing expensive items in the warehouse.

You can also install mirrors and video equipment to keep an eye on sensitive areas. Remember that mere presence of a surveillance camera will prevent the visitors or employees from stealing.

Make sure you have got a safety guard patrolling the premises all the time, especially at night. It will also help if you can get your warehouse surveyed by some security experts to get some tips and suggestions regarding the security or possible loopholes.

Employee Security Tips

The first line of defense in preventing thefts is, knowing your employees and hiring reliable staff. Run background checks on all new hiring’s, and check their references. Unfortunately, in most cases small warehouse thefts is an inside job. They might be helping burglars or invaders to break in or they will be carrying this out on their own.

Perform random inventory checks every now and then. This will help deter your employees from trying to steal the excess stock. Take a walk through the areas of the warehouse that might be easy targets for those hiding stuff every now and then.

Keeping everyone on their toes concerning the security and safety of the stock is the key when you want to prevent stealing in your warehouse. Being unpredictable with checks and inspection can help you create the fear in their mind by using the element of surprise.

Bio: Farah Mustansar is a business safety and security expert. If you are looking for any kind of security or fencing for your properties or businesses in UK, you can visit the following link and choose the one that suits you best http://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk/security-fencing

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