Alarm systems protect your capital

If you're concerned about having your office burglarized, your fears may not be completely unfounded. FBI studies report that unprotected offices are three times more likely to be robbed than those protected by electronic security systems. Arming your office with an alarm system can provide a powerful message of discouragement to a would-be burglar--and for far less money than you might expect.

The majority of small offices can be proficiently protected with a fairly basic electronic security system. Doors and windows are fitted with magnetic contacts to detect unauthorized openings, motion detectors sense interlopers, and keypads allow the system to be armed or disarmed by authorized personnel. The system is controlled from a central panel which, in addition to triggering an alarm, usually provides a record of comings and goings.

A prime consideration in choosing an alarm system is convenience. Unless you want to restrict after-hours access to just one door, it may make sense to have a key pad installed at each access point. Moreover, if part of your office regularly works late, the ability to arm the system for only certain zones can also be handy.

You'll also need to consider how you want your office to be alarmed. You can choose to have the security provider notify the police if an alarm is triggered, or go with a local alarm that simply generates a siren and flashing lights. While less expensive, the latter option will not notify the police to investigate.

Not surprisingly, monitoring fees contribute most to a security service's profits. Three-year monitoring contracts are standard in the industry and generally cost about $30 a month. Your total costs will actually be lower since an alarm system typically results in a 10% to 15% discount on business insurance premiums.

To make sign-up inexpensive, most businesses are generally only charged for installation-the equipment typically remains the property of the service provider. Upfront costs typically boil down to the number of components installed. A small office with a front and back door, several windows and no more than three common areas can generally be equipped with an alarm system that ranges from $500 and $1000.

One way to keep costs low is by avoiding over-buying. For instance, installing magnetic contacts in every window of a conference room may be superfluous when a single motion detector is capable of guarding the area, or "zone." But keep in mind that a building alarm is only a partial defense. Well-lit entranceways and parking lots, and secure door and window locks help make your office more secure.

If you go with a monitored security alarm, ask about the personnel who will be monitoring your system. Unfortunately, overnight and weekend shifts don't always attract the highest quality employees, and those are the times when the risk of a break-in is the highest. A security provider with a rigorous pre-employment screening program is one you can depend on to keep an eye on your business, even when you can't.

Quick tips

Avoid crying wolf. Many local governments begin charging a penalty fee after the fourth false alarm that requires a police response. Know your provider's policy about false alarms and figure that in your costs. Lock up "walk-ables". Costly items like notebook computers and LCD projectors should be secured to desks to make it more difficult for anyone to walk off with these items. Ask for references. Try to obtain local references, in particular. Their opinion of the security provider's local performance will be more relevant than one from a business across town, or in another state.