As such, if your company has a commercial fleet of vehicles, it’s important to do everything in your power to protect them. Here are some ways to better keep your commercial vehicles safe and secure.

Consistent Maintenance

Regular maintenance and repair checks do more to protect your commercial vehicles than you might think. For one, you can ensure all security features are functioning correctly. But you also make sure your vehicles are operating normally in general, which helps prevent them from breaking down and stranding your employees while they’re on the road. Consider hiring a locksmith to regularly inspect and repair locks, alarm systems and other security components so your fleet remains in optimal condition.

Properly Installed Mechanisms

Did you know that a locksmith can help with installing locks and ignitions? Not only can they help you with upgrades, but they can inspect mechanisms to ensure they’re working properly and efficiently as possible. If you’ve experienced frequent issues with locks, ignitions or another security-related features, consider having a locksmith install a new version—or at least inspect and be sure that all are installed properly. Making sure these mechanisms are installed right the first time limits the number of potential issues you may experience down the road.

GPS Tracking

Do you know where your commercial vehicles are at all times? If not, you could be in for a difficult and confusing situation. However, installing GPS tracking devices on your fleet gives you tracking capabilities that are paramount in the unfortunate event of a theft. Chances of recovery also increase with some form of GPS tracking. The good news is that there are a variety of solutions in this area, from individual trackers to security upgrades that come with GPS tracking as a feature. Many even let you download an app and track cars from the convenience of your smartphone.

New Keys, Locks or Alarms

Your biggest deterrents to thieves and unauthorized access are your keys, locks and alarms. It’s important to schedule regular rekeying services, especially if you experience high employee turnover or live in an area with high crime rates. Locks can also break or wear down over time, so adding new locks may be necessary on occasion. Finally, state-of-the-art alarm systems are available that are designed specifically for commercial vehicles. These systems can detect intrusion attempts and alert both the vehicle driver and law enforcement, providing added security and peace of mind for business owners.

A Partnership with a Locksmith

Whether an employee locks the keys inside the vehicle or you simply need maintenance, new security products or regular inspections, a professional automotive locksmith can be a valuable partner. A-1 Locksmith, for example, works with dozens of businesses in Dallas-Fort Worth that own commercial fleets that must be protected and secured. If you experience a time-sensitive security situation, you don’t want to be searching for someone who can help—which is just one of the reasons why having the contact info for a locksmith you trust is a great benefit.

Secure Parking

Another way you can protect your commercial vehicles is with a secure parking lot or facility. Make sure these areas have proper lighting and consider utilizing a gate or dedicated parking spaces equipped with surveillance cameras. A locksmith can even help here by assessing your parking facilities and recommending additional security measures to enhance protection. 

Proper Employee Training 

Employee education is another tool that can keep cars secure. By educating your team on the importance of vehicle security and proper usage of security features, you minimize risk. Consider implementing protocols for vehicle keys, which includes control measures that prevent unwanted duplication. Training programs are a great way to reinforce security best practices within your organization.

Insurance Coverage

At the end of the day, things can still happen to your commercial vehicles, even if you take every security precaution in the world. But you can still protect your investments and prevent heavy losses by ensuring vehicles are adequately insured against theft, vandalism and other potential risks. Be sure to review your insurance policies regularly to confirm coverage levels and make adjustments as necessary. A-1 Locksmith has worked closely with insurance providers to offer comprehensive security solutions tailored to the specific needs of our clients. Furthermore, you may get a discount on insurance if you have the right security systems in place.

These are just a few tips for protecting commercial vehicles. To get more ideas or schedule a security audit for your commercial facility, contact A-1 Locksmith today and we’ll be happy to show you why we’re one of the top automotive locksmiths in Dallas-Fort Worth.

It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about baking or commercial security. For the latter, it can be difficult to tell what is adequate and what isn’t. In today’s article, we cover a few commonly overlooked areas in a typical security audit and how to determine whether your facility would pass a commercial security inspection or not.

Entry Points

First and foremost, make sure any entry and exit points are covered. This is where thieves will check first and they love it when you make things easy for them. Make sure all doors close and lock properly, but also check other elements of your doors are in working order, such as hinges, frames and even the door material itself. The solution that provides the most peace of mind for commercial businesses, however, is a master key system where you control access to every room in your facility (including who has control of what area). 

Windows

Next, something typically close to entry points: windows. Making sure your windows close and lock properly is another item that should be on your commercial security checklist, as well as checking the hinges and overall stability. Do all of your windows have screens? This is important whether the window is broken intentionally or not. There are other security upgrades you can place on your window, from commercial security systems with night visibility to motion tracking.

Storage Spaces

If your business has a warehouse, storage area, attic or basement, these are all areas that could attract criminals due to the fact they’re:

• Typically out of sight or with poor lighting
• Where the safe and valuables are commonly stored
• In areas with minimal foot traffic and customers
• Not well maintained and prone to excess wear/compromise

Basically, if there’s an area you don’t think about often (or at all), it’s a good idea to do a security check and make sure it isn’t the most vulnerable area of your facility.

Any Poorly Lit Area

Finally, do a sweep to make sure you have proper lighting, as any area in your commercial facility can be a security risk if it hides illegal activity. (Especially if said area is visible from the storefront or street.) Stairwells, clutter, boxes and anything that causes a shadow is a vulnerable area to check, as are bathrooms and any room with a public access point. At the end of the day, if you’re doing a regular audit or walkthrough, it will be easier to identify potential issues.

If you’d like to get professional feedback on your business security, contact A-1 Locksmith today at 972-284-7500.

Let’s take a look at these questions and others as we cover commercial locksmith advice you’ll want to know.

Advice for Keys

Make sure you know where all copies of your business’ keys are at all times. Compromised or missing keys can be a big security risk and key duplication for businesses is a small precaution you can take to ensure none of your entry points are compromised. You might also want to invest in a master key system that features advanced technology and lets you customize access for each employee—and each room in your commercial business.

Advice for Locks

Are all of your locks in good condition and up to date? Do you have locks everywhere they’re needed? Do they have the features you desire, like conveniences such as thumbprint or combination entry? Whether it’s time to repair or replace your locks, doing so can bring several tremendous security advantages to your business and give you peace of mind.

Advice for Doors/Windows

Most burglars enter homes and businesses through open windows and doors, so make sure all of your entry points are properly secured. Especially vulnerable areas might be ideal for high-security locks and there are doors available with extra security features like a thicker design and more advanced locks compared to traditional deadbolts. Also, ensuring there is proper lighting at these entry points can ward off all but the most brave criminals.

Advice for Passwords

If you keep the password for your computer, security system, safe or other security solution written down, you might want to rethink where you’re storing it. Or, better yet, keep only hints of your password where only you can reference them. Phone apps, wallets and safes are better solutions for storing passwords than drawers or sticky notes.

Advice for Cameras

Finally, invest in a good security system if you haven’t already. Make sure there are cameras in the parking lot, at entry points and anywhere else in your business that is vulnerable or stores high-value items. Business security systems and camera options these days are plentiful and affordable, so there’s no excuse to not take this extra precaution.

If you’re interested in more commercial locksmith advice, contact the team at A-1 Locksmith today for a consultation.