| Businesses in Bermuda vary tremendously in size and the nature of their trade, and it is therefore impossible to give security advice covering all types of businesses. For more specific advice, you should contact your Parish Constable, or local Security Services and Alarm Companies. |
Doors
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| 1 |
Fit good quality locks, such as deadbolt locks, to all exterior doors. |
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| 2 |
All exterior doors should be solid core and at least 1 3/4" thick. |
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Where door hinges are on the outside of exterior doors, install hinge bolts in the door frames on the same side as, and close by, the hinges themselves. |
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Windows
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Fit secondary locks on all windows and, where necessary, install metal bars in the window frames. |
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| Specifications for Window Bars |
| The following specifications are intended as a guideline for the fitting of security bars at commercial premises in Bermuda. These specifications should be recognized as the MINIMUM requirement.In some cases it may be necessary to consider using a high grade steel or increasing bar thickness. |
| Window Bars |
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| Method 1 |
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Where possible, bars should be fitted internally and set back not less than 2" from the internal surface of the wall. Each window bar should be grouted into the masonry at the top and bottom (or sides, for horizontal bars) to a minimum depth of 3". When bars are longer than 2 feet, cross-ties of mild steel, 2"x3/8", should be provided at intervals of not more than 18" to 20" and welded at the intersections or otherwise made immovable, e.g. by flattening the window bars above and below the cross-tie.
Alternatively, the cross-ties can be fitted separately into the masonry, to a depth of at least 3" at each end, and welded at the intersections.
The bars should be of mild steel (or reinforcing rod) not less than 3/4" diameter, or section (square section is stronger) and fitted at not more than 5" centres. |
| Method 2 |
| Where it is not possible to sink bars into masonry, they should be threaded through the cross-ties. The ragged,or fish-tail ends of the ties should then be fixed into the Surrounding masonry at each end, and the bars should again be welded or otherwise secured at the intersections . |
| Method 3 |
| This involves the manufacture of the bars and cross-ties as a complete unit, to the above specifications. The unit, where possible, should be fitted internally and the fixing's ends sunk to at least 3" and fixed not less than 2" from the interior surface of the wall. It should not be secured by screws or bolts, to woodwork. |
| 5 |
As an alternative to bars, replace your window glass, where necessary, with security glass - available locally in different strengths and finishes. |
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| 6 |
Don't forget to protect small windows, fanlights and roof lights. |
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Air Conditioners
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| 7 |
Secure wall mounted air conditioners with "L" shaped brackets or carriage bolts, so that they can not be pushed in or pulled out. |
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Cash
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| 8 |
Keep the minimum amount of cash on hand and make frequent, irregular bank deposits. |
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| 9 |
If money must be left on the premises overnight, purchase a safe. Floor safes, wall safes and regular free standing safes, are all available locally. Note: free standing safes weighing less than 1/2 ton, should be anchored to the floor. |
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Position your standing safe in a well lit spot if possible, where it can be seen from outside. Illuminate the safe at night. |
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Valuables
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| 11 |
All items, such as typewriters, calculators, etc., should be "U" marked for easy identification if lost or stolen. Engravers may be borrowed (free of charge) from the Somerset, Hamilton and St. George's Police Stations. |
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Alarms
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Once your premises have been made physically secure, consider the installation of an alarm system for additional security. Both audible and silent, burglar and fire alarm systems can be bought or rented locally. Note: All silent systems, whether linked to the Police or a Central Station, are subject to the Bermuda Police Policy on Intruder Alarms. |
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Lighting
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| 13 |
Install good outdoor lighting well out of arms reach - at least 12' off the ground. Alternatively consider installing a passive infra-red security lighting system such as Lightwatch II or similar. With such a system your outside lights are switched on automatically for a limited period whenever a person or motor vehicle enters the sensor's invisible beam. |
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Access
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| 14 |
Control the access routes to your property by restricting the number of vehicular entrances. |
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Thick shrubbery can provide good hiding places for thieves. Cut back overgrown trees and bushes for better visibility. |
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Equipment
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| 16 |
Secure all outbuildings and equipment - especially ladders. Don't allow thieves to use your tools to break into your premises. |
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| 17 |
Equipment which must be kept out of doors can sometimes be secured with a good padlock and a length of chain . |
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Additional Security
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For additional protection, consider hiring plain clothed or uniform security guards.Bermudian security firms can also supply video cameras, recorders and monitors as well as article surveillance equipment to reduce shoplifting. Trained local technicians install the equipment, some of which is programmable for unattended operation. |
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New Premises
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| 19 |
Building or designing new premises? Incorporate security at the planning stage and erect clearly definable boundaries, such as low walls. Give yourself a 'sense of turf'. |
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Insurance
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| 20 |
Is your property and merchandise sufficiently insured against fire, theft and damage? Don't wait until something happens, discuss the matter with your Insurance Company now! |
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Finally, before purchasing or renting a safe or installing an alarm system, you should consult with your Insurers to make sure that the equipment is approved and meets with their required standards. |
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For further information and advice about business security, contact local Security Services and Alarm Companies for advice - you will find their addresses and telephone numbers in the Yellow Pages.
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