Like any other small retailer, you need to take precious care of your property. Vandalism and theft hurt small businesses more than larger conglomerates, which have more financial protection. That means you need to pay close attention to the quality of your security. Security extends beyond technical solutions like CCTV and electronic locks; it ultimately comes down to your standard security measures. For example, ask yourself this: when did you last check your UPVC window locks?
The locks on windows can be easily overlooked, as they are used far less frequently than the locks on our doors. That said, window locks – when they become compromised – make it easy for criminals to gain entry to your building. To give you more insight into the benefits of checking your UPVC window locks, we asked Locks & Handles for advice. What did we find out from one of the UK’s leading specialists in window locks?
From protecting your business premises and stock to keeping your staff and yourself safe, here are some valuable reasons to review – and, if needed, replace or repair – your window security locks.
When someone sees your business as a potential target, they are highly unlikely to take the direct approach. Criminals are crafty; they do everything they can to avoid being seen or heard.
That’s why your UPVC window locks need to be strong. While they might not be brave enough to come into your store via the door, they may choose to try to enter via your windows. Unlocked windows are an easy way for someone to sneak inside, especially for windows in less visible parts of the business. They might choose to come in through a window in your stock room or staff room.
Shop windows remain highly vulnerable to break-ins because many shop owners leave their windows unlocked. That makes it easier to open them up to ventilate the shop, bringing in clean air and keeping the place fresh. If you do not re-lock your windows, though, you leave a vulnerability that makes entry into your business much easier.
Shop windows are an easy target, whether they are out of sight and thus out of mind or because they are not locked as often as the shop doors. That’s why you should regularly review your UPVC window locks to look for potential vulnerabilities – and, if needed, arrange for replacement window security locks to be fitted by a local locksmith.
Windows are a crucial part of your shop's success. They allow potential customers to peer inside and get a glimpse of what you have on sale; they also bring in plenty of natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere for anyone coming into your store.
However, with the right UPVC window locks, your windows can remain secure and protected from vandalism and theft. If you invest in quality window security locks, you benefit from:
For one, having quality window locks means that it is much harder for someone to get into your store without coming through the front door. Having a high standard of window security locks plays a major role in protecting your small shop from being a victim of a break-in, simply because they prevent someone from gaining entry through a hidden or unseen entrance.
Quality window locks boost your security standard, making it that much tougher for someone to get inside. Criminals generally look for low-hanging fruit; easy targets that they can enter and exit without anyone so much as being aware of their presence. If you have suitable window security, that is not likely to become a problem.
Another benefit is quite a simple one: with good-quality window locks, you can get your windows to open and close when needed. That saves your locks from stiffening up, leaving you with a storefront that is too warm and filled with stuffy, stale air.
The atmosphere and conditions of your store play a key role in keeping customers around; if you have good quality windows, you know that they can be opened whenever you need a blast of fresh air into the store. Without regular window lock repair or a UPVC window lock replacement, you can be left with windows that remain stuck shut, and thus you cannot properly ventilate your store.
There are a few investments that can provide a similar return on investment to new UPVC window locks. These locks greatly reduce the risk of your business being a victim of a break-in or vandalism spree. That alone can justify the cost of replacement window locks!
If you are looking to upgrade your store's security, you need to take your UPVC window locks into account. You can have all the high-end security you like and the strongest door locks in the world; however, if your window locks are easily penetrated or manipulated, breaking in remains a relatively easy prospect.
Finally, knowing that your windows have been checked out – ideally by a locksmith – gives you a sense of peace. You now know whether you can stick with your current window security locks or if you need to invest in replacement window locks.
High-quality locks remain easy to maintain as well; you just need to give them a little once-over, perhaps a bit of lubrication, from time to time. Cheaper, lower-quality locks require more stringent care and thus the cost of maintenance, as well as the time it takes to maintain your windows, grows.
Reducing the risk of break-ins or vandalism is crucial for any small business in the UK. Dealing with the emotional and financial costs of such an incident can take years to overcome.
That’s why you should take preventative action and be proactive. Invest in a review of your window security locks; have a locksmith inspect each window and identify potential vulnerabilities. If you know that you have quality locks in place, you significantly reduce the number of criminals capable of breaking in.
Why take the risk? Get your UPVC window locks checked as soon as possible!
