Burglars, beware.

• Author: Berger, Michael
• Position: Theft prevention for businesses

Here's How: Alaska Security experts tell how you can prevent thieves from hitting your business.

Crime in Alaska, like every where else in the United States, has become front page news. Businesses are tired of being robbed by employees as well as intruders. Millions of dollars in company assets are lost each year to burglary, fraud and embezzlement, making management seek new, high-tech ways to secure money and property.

Without turning your business into an armed camp with trained dogs and watchtowers, you can rely on alarm systems, surveillance and guard services to monitor your livelihood day and night. Today's security systems are low profile, accurate and easy to operate. Security companies back up their systems with 24-hour control-room supervision, providing business owners with a constant link to local authorities.

"Instead of buying a gun and staying up all night to watch your business, do some thorough research and customize a security program," says Gerald Arenberg, director of the National Association of Chiefs of Police in Miami, Fla. "There are companies in almost every city that will sit down with you and evaluate your needs. Then you can choose the alarm system or security guard service to protect your business from burglary or theft. Nowadays, security systems are more accurate than ever, and that's important because thieves have learned a thing or two about stealing from all the information that's available out there."

EVENT-DRIVEN BUSINESS

Most companies don't use a modern security system until an event such as a burglary or inside theft forces them to take action.

The first step in establishing a program is to locate a reputable company in your area that not only sells security equipment but can back up installation with monitoring controls and systems upgrade.

Don Springer, marketing director for Alaska General Alarm Inc. (AGA) in Anchorage, says when choosing security equipment, look for a "Grade A" rating from industry regulator Underwriters Laboratory (UL). An UL rating guarantees that security system installations and monitoring operations maintain a high standard of quality and efficiency while being controlled by thoroughly trained security personnel.

AGA provides monitoring service for businesses like Anchorage retailers Fred Meyer and Wal-Mart from its central station, always scheduling two employees 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing more coverage for all systems under surveillance. In the event of a local power failure, AGA has an independent generator, two-way radios and cellular phone systems for backup.

After choosing a security company, you should meet with its experts to evaluate the needs of your business and determine what could be stolen and how to protect it.

"As a business grows, the feeling of 'family sense' is diminished," says Michael Winston, Alaska manager for Stanley Smith Security Inc. "Being able to confirm everything...