Memphis Small Business Security: 10 Minute Checklist

A few low-cost fixes reduce break ins, deter shoplifting, and can even earn small insurance discounts (often 2–10% for monitored alarms—ask your provider).

1) Cameras (CCTV / IP) • Place at entrances, registers, safes, stock doors; mount at eye level near chokepoints. • Use 1080p+, wide dynamic range (WDR) for backlit doors, and IR/night vision. • Turn on motion alerts and off site cloud backup (so footage isn’t lost if a recorder is stolen). • Post “Video Recording in Use” signs.

2) Entry Points (Doors & Windows) • Solid-core or metal doors, commercial deadbolts, and strike plates with 3" screws. • Door viewers or cameras on rear/service doors. • Security film or laminated glass on street facing windows to slow smash and grab. • Keep rear alleys lit and clear of boxes that can be used to climb.

3) Lighting (Inside & Out) • Motion activated exterior lights covering parking, loading, and entrances. • Dusk to dawn fixtures on signage and front facade. • At night, leave interior “breadcrumb” lights on key aisles so cameras see clearly.

4) Alarm & Monitoring • Monitored intrusion system with door/window contacts, glass break, and a loud siren. • Add panic buttons at register/office. • Test monthly; keep your call list up to date. • Display alarm decals visibly.

5) Access & Keys • Move to keypad/smart locks where possible; change codes when staff leave. • Two person rule for opening/closing and for cash/safe access. • Keep a simple key log if physical keys are used.

6) Cash, Safes & POS • Drop safe bolted to concrete; minimal cash in tills; “No Cash Left Overnight” sign. • POS cameras angled to see the customer’s hands and the screen. • Enable POS alerts (voids, no sales, refunds after hours).

7) Inventory & Back Room • Cage or lock high shrink items. • Keep back door closed/locked; never prop it open. • Deliveries: check counts at the door; keep a receiving log.

8) Cyber Basics (Yes, it’s part of security) • Guest Wi Fi separated from POS/office network. • Auto updates on all PCs, POS, and cameras. • Password manager + MFA (two step login) for email, banking, and cloud storage. • Back up key files to encrypted cloud.

9) Policies & Training • Open/close checklist by the door. • Teach staff how to handle suspicious behavior (greetings deter shoplifters). • Incident log (date/time, description, camera clip link).

10) Quick ROI Note • Ask your insurer about discounts for: monitored alarms, video verification, hardened doors/windows, and lighting. • Track incidents/month before & after upgrades—reduced shrink + potential premium savings typically pay back simple measures in months.