Why Burglars Are Targeting Commercial Properties
Home to roughly 500,000 people, Miami is one of America’s favorite cities. Behind the beautiful scenery and metropolitan lifestyle, it also boasts one of the highest crime rates in the nation. With more than 23,000 robberies, burglaries and thefts occurring each year, statistics show that commercial properties are particularly at risk. Take a look at exactly why burglars prefer to target businesses, relevant crime prevention data and the effectiveness of alarm systems in Miami.
Multiple studies have been conducted to determine what motivates burglars to target commercial properties. In one such study, published by Gavin Butler, researchers interviewed 30 prisoners who were doing time for commercial burglary. They results showed that the primary motivation behind most of these crimes was the desire to obtain money in the form of cash or goods that could be easily sold.
Most of these people felt they were forced into crime due to unemployment or lack of viable work skills, and used the money to buy food and clothing, or drugs and alcohol. Commercial properties are favored because they typically have more cash or valuable goods at a single location, as opposed to private homes.
When asked how they choose which commercial locations they want to rob, the prisoners felt that location, store size and the type of alarm systems in Miami were the most important factors. Specifically, large superstores on the outskirts of town with little security were ideal, as well as small businesses inside of town that didn’t have security systems.
Burglars perceive security guards to be the most difficult obstacle to overcome. Similarly, having a commercial property that is being watched was cited as major deterrent. The presence of internal or external cameras are also good ways to discourage theft.
The presence of basic alarm systems in Miami didn’t worry most burglars. What mattered was the features the system. Door and window alarms are the easiest to get around, as is locking valuables in a display case or cage. Just recently, the Miami Dade police released a warning about thieves becoming creative in the methods they use to break in. In order to bypass window alarms, they use cutters to remove a section of glass and gain entry.
The FBI states that there is 1 burglary every 14 seconds across the nation. 66 percent of those gain entry by forcible means and 26 percent through unlawful entry. What factors put a business at risk? Primarily, burglars look for an easy way to get in and out quickly. Valuables that are grouped together in close proximity make this job easier. It also goes without saying that they want to get away without being identified, so unmonitored locations are ideal.
Every commercial property manager should look at security as a part of the management process. Implementing protective measures beforehand can significantly decrease the likelihood of being burglarized. Helpful tips include:
- Install heavy, commercial duty outer doors that won’t break or shatter easily.
- Install good interior and exterior lighting.
- Limit the amount of cash available on the premise.
- Make bank deposits every day and vary the times and routes of bank visits.
- Invest in a security system and ensure it is used and maintained properly.
When evaluating commercial security needs, it is a good idea to have a professional risk assessment. Companies, such as Home Security Concepts that installs ADT Miami security systems, conduct such evaluations. In addition to the basics discussed above, they also look at effective ways to secure frequently overlooked openings. This includes skylights, air vents, loading docks, and sidewalk grills.
How effective are alarm systems in Miami? Approximately 1 in 3 businesses without an alarm are robbed, as opposed to 1 in 250 with an alarm. Again, features make a difference. Remember, live monitoring and video cameras are what burglars say they are most afraid of. ADT Miami Security company Home Security Concepts recommends the following features for protecting commercial properties:
- Basic Intrusion Protection- wireless systems that include motion detection and can be expanded to monitor up to 64 different zones.
- Pulse- real time remote video monitoring that allows the system to be controlled through a smart phone. The alarm can be activated or deactivated and secondary systems, such as lights, can also be controlled remotely.
- Enhanced Equipment- infrared or low light recording, digital recorders and cost effective automation.
Adding a more sophisticated system makes good economic sense too. Insurance companies offer steep discounts, up to 20 percent, for qualified systems. Catastrophic losses are also averted. Home Security Concepts reports that, according to the Chamber of Commerce, as many as 30 percent of businesses fail as a result of burglary which is the reason why the need for ADT Miami security systems is so high. Current research and crime data indicate that advanced alarm systems are effective deterrents and a good investment for commercial properties.
