Photoelectric detectors can form a simple basis for store awareness. These are the detectors that trigger a bell when you enter a store. Essentially, there’s a low power laser on one side and a photodetector on the other. When the beam is broken – such as by someone passing through it – a bell sounds.

 

Awareness is Good…

 

This carries one advantage over simply putting a bell on top of your door. If you’re in the back and the bell sounds, you know that someone’s come in. If you have a photoelectric detector on the back door and it sounds when you’re in the front, you know someone’s come in the back.

 

Photoelectric detectors are also used in smoke detectors. When smoke enters the detector and breaks the beam, the detector sounds its alarm.

 

These are very simple tools for additional store awareness, but they don’t amount to real security. What do you need in addition to photoelectric detectors?

 

…Security is Better

 

Access control can’t be matched by a photoelectric detector. Electronic keys or coded doors are two approaches that help keep entrances and back offices absolutely secure. This higher form of access control offers a basis for security that goes beyond simple entrance awareness. They can also produce records for who used the door at what time, creating accountability in the case of employee theft.

 

A CCTV camera system is more reasonably priced than you might think. It can record thefts and evidence of crimes, and it also acts as one of the chief deterrents to these crimes. Most thieves and many robbers engage in crimes of opportunity. Where they see a CCTV camera system with good coverage, they’ll seek out a different target. No one wants to be caught committing a crime on camera.

 

A fire alert system is a legal necessity. Not having a fire alert system that covers your whole building is likely in violation of fire codes. A fire alert system can be installed and implemented without too much hassle. If you lack it, not only are you likely in violation of the law, you may also be risking any insurance claims if a fire does happen. Insurance companies expect you to take reasonable steps toward protecting what you’re asking them to insure.

 

Good systems such as these can even lower your insurance premiums. Insurance companies know they’re taking less risk when deterrents, alarms, and response systems are employed.