Bringing security back for Vail’s businesses

The Vail Valley remains a superb destination for tourists, new residents and new business, but the late August burglary spree, which, as reported by local government, saw 6 properties raided in a short span of time. While not indicative of the culture of Vail Valley, it does shed a light on the nature of crime in modern America. Events like these show businesses that it’s absolutely essential to be on the lookout against a wide range of threats.

Physical security

For brick and mortar businesses, the most important factor is physical security. Alarms, cameras and other deterrents have been proved to be effective, with one study analyzed by the New York Times finding that properties without alarms are three times more likely to be burglarized. Not much has changed in this regard over the past few decades, barring the advent of integrated security. Examples of integrated security include camera doorbells and interlinked systems that allow you to watch activity at your premises from your smartphone.

Working together

Physical security aside, the best way to prevent crime is to work, as a community, to tackle it. This works in two ways. Firstly, having a person-led approach to preventing crime leads to schemes such as the neighborhood watch, which the National Crime Prevention Council have asserted is one of the most effective crime prevention tools available to homeowners and business owners. If not already in an association, club together with other businesses in your street or immediate area. Generating familiarity and sharing information as and when it becomes available is often the first, and most important, step to ensuring your security.

Attacks from the web

It’s practically a compulsory measure for a business to have an online presence, whether that’s to provide instructions for potential customers or for the basis of their services. With online visibility comes a new layer of risk posed by cybercrimes, and Colorado residents are at risk as much as any citizens of any other state. Cybercrime has a disproportionate impact on small and medium business, too, with lower revenue business unlikely to be able to swallow the cost of a successful attack. Keep your systems up to date and well protected, and don’t make yourself a target online – keep data private. As with neighborhood watch schemes, it can be effective to share best practice with trusted business owners.

The good news is that Colorado does have an edge in this regard. The FBI reported that cash recovery was successfully undertaken on a $56,000 attempted fraud via wire transfer. Putting in the measures to protect your business is therefore effective in the state, as evidence shows that the authorities will be right behind you.

Vail Valley is a great place to live and work, but there are always criminals trying to find an opportunity regardless of how nice the neighborhood is. Between physical and digital security measures, you, as a business owner, have the power to keep your business secure. Tying these factors together is communication and working with other business owners, something more important than ever.