They’re called crimes of opportunity for a reason. Property and valuables left unattended and unsecured, even for short periods of time, pose a temptation to thieves, employees, cleaning staff, contractors and building visitors. Cash, computers, business information/data, other valuables and even identities are prime targets for theft in an office environment any time there are security irregularities.
Crimes of opportunity can also be the result of complacency. With access control, video surveillance or on-site security personnel in place, it’s easy for an organization’s security management to believe they have secured the environment and protected people, property and assets from thievery. However, there are additional opportunities for mitigating these types of incidents and their impact on business operations and one of the easiest and most effective methods is the use of a key control and asset management system.
Key control systems offer a number of security advantages in addition to storing and safekeeping facility and other important keys. The system’s automatic access tracking capability makes incident investigation more effective and efficient by providing accurate information as to who accessed which key and when. System reports can be immediately generated with the needed information or delivered on a regularly scheduled basis for auditing purposes.
Access activity can also be monitored online and via mobile devices to provide real time operational information that can help curtail security breaches. For example, if a high value key is not returned to the key cabinet as scheduled, an alert is sent via email or SMS text to appropriate personnel so that immediate action may be taken. And, if the key management system is integrated with the building’s access control system, the individual holding the key may be denied egress from the building until the key is returned.
Workplace theft is a serious problem that needs a strategic and integrated approach. Key control and asset management systems can help business owners reduce the opportunity.
