Protecting Your Business From After-Hours Burglaries During Holiday Closures

View Product Catalogue PDF

The holiday season brings joy, but it also brings increased risks for businesses. As employees take time off for the holidays and your business shuts down for a few days or weeks, burglars see an opportunity to strike. After-hours break-ins are a significant threat, especially when your store, office, or restaurant is closed for extended periods. During these times, criminals look for businesses that are not adequately secured, and unfortunately, many businesses fall victim to these crimes.

At Blue Dot Safes, we understand the importance of safeguarding your business—even when the doors are closed. A secure business is more than just a building; it’s about protecting your assets, inventory, and sensitive documents. Let’s go over the most effective ways to ensure your business remains protected during the holidays and beyond.

1. Install High-Security Safes for Cash and Valuables

During holiday closures, the first thing you should focus on is securing your high-value inventory—whether it’s cash, electronics, documents, or jewelry. A high-security safe is your best line of defense.

Investing in a fire-rated, UL-rated safe ensures that your valuable items are protected against both theft and fire, even when the business is closed for days or weeks.

• Depository Safes are excellent for businesses like retail or restaurants where employees can deposit cash without accessing it again, reducing the risk of theft.
• High-Security Safes (like TL-15 or TL-30) are built to resist burglary and protect against theft.
• Fire & Burglary Safes will protect sensitive documents, contracts, and inventory from both theft and fire hazards.

Pro Tip: Use time-delay locks on your safes. This feature prevents access to the safe for a specific period after it’s been opened, adding another layer of protection against unauthorized access.

2. Ensure All Entry Points Are Secured

Burglars often take advantage of unsecured entry points. Before you close for the holidays, double-check every potential access point:

• Doors: Reinforce all exterior doors with high-quality deadbolts and security bars. Consider installing steel doors or adding a secondary locking mechanism for extra protection.
• Windows: Install shatterproof glass or window security film to make it more difficult for burglars to break in.
• Backdoors & Loading Docks: Ensure that loading docks and service entrances are securely locked. Add additional security features like motion sensors and access-controlled doors to restrict entry.

Remember, the more difficult you make it for a burglar to get in, the less likely they will target your business.

3. Use Surveillance Cameras and Motion Sensors

Surveillance cameras are one of the most effective deterrents against crime. Make sure your cameras cover all vulnerable areas of your property, such as the front and back entrances, loading docks, and parking lots.

• Install motion-activated cameras in key locations to ensure constant monitoring.
• Ensure cameras are recording 24/7 and that footage is backed up or stored remotely for later review if necessary.
• Set up remote viewing to monitor activity from anywhere, even while you’re away.

In addition to cameras, installing motion sensor lights around the property will help illuminate dark areas, deterring criminals from trying to approach unnoticed.

4. Lock All Sensitive Documents and Digital Assets

While you focus on physical security, don’t forget about digital and paper-based security. Sensitive information stored on your computer, hard drives, or in files could be just as valuable to criminals.

• Backup your data on an external hard drive or cloud system.
• Store sensitive documents in file cabinets or secure lockers. Consider using fireproof file cabinets for added protection.
• Encrypt your digital assets to protect against data breaches and unauthorized access.

5. Lock and Monitor Even When Closed

If your business is closed for more than a day or two, it’s important that it does not appear abandoned. Criminals look for businesses that seem to be left without oversight, and an empty store can be an inviting target.

Pro Tip: Make sure to arrange remote monitoring of your property. Whether it’s using CCTV cameras or a live alarm system, ensure that your business remains under surveillance even when you’re not physically there.

• Use security monitoring services that provide real-time alerts for suspicious activity.
• Consider motion sensors that trigger notifications, so you’re always aware of what’s happening at your property.

6. Build Strong Relationships with Your Local Authorities

One of the best things you can do to enhance security during holiday closures is to build a good relationship with your local police department.

• Alert the police when your business will be closed for an extended period.
• Consider having regular patrols of your property, especially if your business is located in a high-risk area.
• Share your security measures with local authorities so they can be more proactive in keeping an eye on your business.

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead, Stay Secure

When your business is closed for the holidays, it’s easy to overlook the risks of burglary. However, taking the time to implement proper security measures—including installing a high-quality safe, securing entry points, and testing your security systems—can make a significant difference in preventing theft.

At Blue Dot Safes, we provide a variety of high-security safes, including Depository Safes, Fire & Burglary Safes, and High-Security TL-15 & TL-30 Safes to help protect your assets year-round.

Need Help Securing Your Business?

Our team can recommend the right security solutions to meet the specific needs of your business.

📞 Call us at (866) 747-7233
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: bluedotsafes.com

Built in America. Trusted by professionals. Secure by design.