Queens Business Security Checklist: Are You Covered?

Got broken into last month? Yeah, you’re not alone.

Restaurant owner in Astoria told me his place got hit three times before he finally took security seriously. Lost maybe $8,000 in equipment and inventory. Spent another $15,000 fixing doors and windows.

Could’ve prevented all of it for about $300/month in Queens security services.

The thing about business security – most people wait until after something happens. Then they’re scrambling, paying emergency rates, dealing with insurance, losing business during repairs.

Check this list now, not after you’ve been cleaned out.

Physical Perimeter Security

Entry Points

Front doors:

[ ] Commercial-grade deadbolts installed
[ ] Strike plates secured with 3-inch screws
[ ] Door frames reinforced (not just cheap hollow metal)
[ ] Windows in doors protected with security film or bars
[ ] Lighting illuminates entrance after dark

Weak doors are invitation. Most break-ins in Queens happen through front or back doors, not windows.

Back/side doors:

[ ] Same security as front doors (don’t cheap out here)
[ ] No external hinges (can be removed from outside)
[ ] Panic bars on inside only
[ ] Alarm contact on every door
[ ] Cameras covering all angles

Employee who props open back door for smoke breaks? Fire them. That’s how places get robbed.

Loading docks:

[ ] Roll-down gates when closed
[ ] Camera coverage of entire area
[ ] Lighting that actually works
[ ] No hiding spots for people to wait
[ ] Scheduled delivery times only

Windows and Glass

Ground floor windows:

[ ] Security bars or gates installed
[ ] Window film (makes glass harder to break)
[ ] Alarm contacts on all windows
[ ] Keep displays away from windows (smash and grab prevention)
[ ] Interior gates or shutters

Upper floor access:

[ ] Fire escapes don’t provide easy roof access
[ ] Roof hatches locked and alarmed
[ ] Skylights secured with bars or alarms
[ ] Adjacent buildings don’t provide access

Watched a guy climb from adjacent building onto restaurant roof, cut through skylight. Owner didn’t even know skylight opened.

Alarm Systems

Basic Coverage

[ ] Alarm on every entry point
[ ] Motion detectors in main areas
[ ] Glass break sensors near windows
[ ] Panic buttons at registers/desks
[ ] Loud siren (audible from street)
[ ] Signs posted (deterrent value)

Monitoring:

[ ] 24/7 professional monitoring
[ ] Police dispatch notification
[ ] Multiple emergency contacts listed
[ ] Tested monthly
[ ] Backup battery power

Alarm without monitoring is just noise. Burglar triggers alarm, has 3-5 minutes before anyone responds. That’s enough time.

Advanced Features

[ ] Smartphone app control
[ ] Entry/exit notifications
[ ] Activity logs
[ ] User code tracking (who armed/disarmed)
[ ] Integration with cameras

Know which employee set off alarm at 2 AM? You should.

Camera Systems

Coverage Checklist

Essential camera locations:

[ ] All entry/exit points
[ ] Cash registers and safes
[ ] Parking areas
[ ] Loading zones
[ ] Storage rooms
[ ] Office areas

Camera quality:

[ ] HD resolution minimum (1080p or better)
[ ] Night vision capability
[ ] Wide angle lenses
[ ] Weather-resistant for outdoor
[ ] Tamper-proof mounting

Grainy footage is useless. Can’t identify anyone, police won’t even try.

Recording and storage:

[ ] 30 days minimum retention
[ ] Cloud backup (fire/theft protection)
[ ] Remote viewing capability
[ ] Automatic recording on motion
[ ] Backed up off-site

Had client whose DVR got stolen during break-in. All footage gone. Cloud backup prevents this.

Lighting Security

Exterior Lighting

[ ] All entrances well-lit
[ ] Parking areas illuminated
[ ] No dark corners or hiding spots
[ ] Motion-activated lights in key areas
[ ] Light covers tamper-resistant
[ ] Automatic on/off timers

Brightness standards: Entry doors: 5-10 foot-candles Parking: 2-5 foot-candles General perimeter: 1-2 foot-candles

Interior Lighting

[ ] Some lights on 24/7 (visible from street)
[ ] Timers vary pattern (not obvious nobody’s there)
[ ] Emergency lighting on backup power
[ ] Exit signs illuminated always

Dark building at night screams “we’re closed, come rob us.”

Access Control

Key Management

[ ] Know who has keys
[ ] Keys signed out and tracked
[ ] Re-key when employees leave
[ ] No “master key” everyone has
[ ] Spare keys secured off-site

Better than keys:

[ ] Electronic keypad entry
[ ] Key cards or fobs
[ ] Biometric access (fingerprint)
[ ] Remote lock/unlock capability
[ ] Access logs maintained

Electronic access lets you revoke without re-keying. Fire someone, disable their code immediately.

Restricted Areas

[ ] Cash office separate and locked
[ ] Inventory storage restricted
[ ] Server room/back office limited access
[ ] Different access levels for different staff
[ ] Manager approval required for certain areas

Everyone doesn’t need access to everything.

Cash Handling Procedures

Daily Operations

[ ] Minimal cash kept on hand
[ ] Regular deposits (don’t accumulate)
[ ] Two-person cash counts
[ ] Safe with time-delay feature
[ ] No cash visible from outside

Signs that help: “Manager cannot open safe” “Cash deposits made multiple times daily” “Maximum $50 in register”

Let criminals know before they waste time robbing you.

End of Day

[ ] Documented closing procedures
[ ] Safe deposit requirements
[ ] Register drawers left open and empty (visible)
[ ] Two people present for closing
[ ] Armored car service if needed

Employee Security Training

What Staff Needs to Know

[ ] How to arm/disarm alarm
[ ] Emergency contact numbers
[ ] Robbery response procedures
[ ] How to spot suspicious behavior
[ ] When to call police vs security
[ ] Never chase thieves (not worth it)

Training schedule:

[ ] Initial training for all new hires
[ ] Quarterly refreshers
[ ] After any incident
[ ] When procedures change

Untrained employee can compromise entire security system.

Cybersecurity Basics

Network Security

[ ] WiFi password changed regularly
[ ] Guest WiFi separate from business network
[ ] Firewall configured properly
[ ] Security software on all computers
[ ] Regular software updates
[ ] POS system secured

Queens businesses get hit with cyber attacks too. Restaurant had their POS system hacked, all credit card data stolen.

Data Protection

[ ] Customer data encrypted
[ ] Daily backups maintained
[ ] Backup tested regularly
[ ] Payment processing PCI compliant
[ ] Employee access restricted

Insurance Coverage

What You Need

[ ] General liability insurance current
[ ] Property insurance adequate for replacement cost
[ ] Business interruption coverage
[ ] Crime insurance (theft by employees)
[ ] Cyber liability insurance

Review annually:

[ ] Coverage amounts still adequate
[ ] Deductibles manageable
[ ] New equipment/inventory covered
[ ] Business changes reflected

Insurance won’t prevent break-ins but helps recovery.

Neighborhood-Specific Risks

Queens Areas

Astoria/Long Island City:

[ ] High foot traffic security
[ ] Late-night closing procedures
[ ] Parking lot security

Flushing/Main Street:

[ ] Cash business extra precautions
[ ] Language-specific signage
[ ] Cultural considerations

Jamaica/South Queens:

[ ] Enhanced perimeter security
[ ] Faster police response needed
[ ] Community watch participation

Woodhaven/Richmond Hill:

[ ] Vehicle security (catalytic converter theft)
[ ] Loading zone monitoring
[ ] Evening patrol services

Different areas, different problems.

Emergency Procedures

What to Have Ready

[ ] Written emergency plan
[ ] Contact list posted visibly
[ ] First aid kit stocked
[ ] Fire extinguishers inspected
[ ] Evacuation routes marked
[ ] Emergency lighting functional

Emergency contacts:

[ ] Local police precinct direct number
[ ] Fire department
[ ] Security company 24/7 line
[ ] Owner/manager cell phones
[ ] Alarm company
[ ] Locksmith (24/7)

Security Guard Services

When You Need Guards

Consider guards if:

[ ] High-value inventory
[ ] Late night operations
[ ] History of incidents
[ ] High-traffic location
[ ] Cash-intensive business

Guard requirements:

[ ] NYS licensed security guards
[ ] Proper training certification
[ ] Background checked
[ ] Insured and bonded
[ ] Supervised by security company

Types of Coverage

On-site guards:

[ ] Continuous presence
[ ] Customer service role
[ ] Access control
[ ] Immediate response

Mobile patrol:

[ ] Regular property checks
[ ] Multiple location coverage
[ ] Lower cost than on-site
[ ] Random timing varies

[Link to: “Queens Security Services“]

Technology Integration

Smart Security Features

[ ] Integrated alarm/camera/access system
[ ] Smartphone notifications
[ ] Cloud-based management
[ ] AI motion detection (reduces false alarms)
[ ] Automatic incident reporting

Remote management:

[ ] Lock/unlock doors remotely
[ ] View cameras from anywhere
[ ] Arm/disarm alarm system
[ ] Grant temporary access
[ ] Review activity logs

Technology doesn’t replace good procedures but makes them easier.

Regular Maintenance

Monthly Checks

[ ] Test alarm system
[ ] Check all cameras working
[ ] Replace burned-out lights
[ ] Inspect door/window locks
[ ] Test backup power
[ ] Review access logs

Quarterly Reviews

[ ] Professional security assessment
[ ] Update emergency contacts
[ ] Review insurance coverage
[ ] Refresh employee training
[ ] Evaluate new security tech

Annual Actions

[ ] Full security audit
[ ] Re-key locks
[ ] Equipment upgrades
[ ] Policy updates
[ ] Contract renewals

Security isn’t one-time. Regular maintenance prevents failures.

Your Score: How Protected Are You?

80-100% checked: You’re doing great 60-79% checked: Decent but gaps exist 40-59% checked: Vulnerable, need improvements Below 40%: You’re a target, fix this now

Common Mistakes Queens Businesses Make

Relying on one security measure – Need layers of protection Ignoring employee training – Your staff is first line of defense Cheap equipment that fails – False sense of security is dangerous Not testing systems – Broken alarm you don’t know about is useless Forgetting about cyber – Digital threats are real

What Actually Happens During Break-Ins

Average break-in: 3-5 minutes What they target: Cash, electronics, easy-to-carry inventory When they happen: After hours, early morning, during chaos How they enter: Doors mostly, not windows like movies

Quick in, quick out. Good security makes them move to easier target.

Ready to Fix Your Gaps?

Go through this checklist honestly. Every unchecked box is a vulnerability.

Priority order:

Physical security (doors, locks, lighting)
Alarm system (monitoring critical)
Cameras (evidence and deterrent)
Procedures (employee training)
Technology upgrades

Don’t try to fix everything at once. Start with biggest vulnerabilities.

Ready to book a free security assessment for your Queens business? Stop gambling with your livelihood. Professional assessment identifies exactly where you’re vulnerable and what fixes matter most.

Cheaper than one break-in. Way cheaper than going out of business because you got hit repeatedly.

People Ask:

What’s the most important security measure for Queens businesses? Working alarm system with 24/7 monitoring. Most break-ins happen after hours – alarm alerts police and security company immediately. Costs $30-80/month and provides fastest response when incidents occur.

How much should I budget for business security? Basic setup (alarm, cameras, lighting) runs $2,000-5,000 initial, $100-300 monthly. Mid-range with guards costs $1,000-3,000 monthly. Depends on size, risk level, and hours. One break-in costs more than years of security.

Do I need security guards or just technology? Depends on risk level. High-traffic retail, cash businesses, and high-crime areas benefit from guards. Low-risk offices can use technology and mobile patrol. Combination approach works best for most Queens businesses.

How often should I update my security system? Review annually, upgrade technology every 3-5 years. Monthly maintenance checks, quarterly training updates, annual full audit. Security threats evolve – your protection should too.What are the most common security mistakes Queens businesses make? Weak doors with cheap locks, alarm without monitoring, cameras that don’t record clearly, no employee training, and ignoring maintenance. Also common: propped-open doors, poor lighting, and not changing locks after employees leave.

"The only truly secure system is one that is powered off, cast in a block of concrete and sealed in a lead-lined room with armed guards." — Gene Spafford