Nowadays, business security is synonymous with cyber security – it’s the hot topic. But businesses must not forget the basics and remember that security starts at the front door.

According to the Office for National Statistics, robbery of business property surged by 50% between March 2024 and 2025. As Sheffield’s locksmith and security expert, MLA approved H Harrold and Sons sees countless cases where businesses have invested heavily in online security but neglected the basics.

This can mean that businesses have outdated locks, spare keys left unsecured or haven’t updated access systems. Cyber protection may keep hackers out, but it won’t stop a break-in if someone can walk through an unlocked door or has unauthorised access due to poor access control management.

Protecting your premises starts with practical steps that make a real difference. Harry Harrold, Director of H Harrold and Sons, shares his five physical security tips to keep your business safe…

Control Access

Firstly, you need to know who has access to your premises and when. After that, you can use master key systems or electronic access control to ensure staff can reach the areas they need and that lost keys can be quickly dealt with.

If you are auditing your physical space, potentially consider upgrading locks and key systems in the process. Investing in high-security cylinders, patented or restricted key systems can prevent unauthorised copies and keep control.

During this process, choose quality over quick fixes – inferior locks and cheap, under-developed access control systems often fail, it’s that simple.

Strengthen Physical Perimeters

Start with simple fixes. Look at the lighting, CCTV and controlled entry points around your building – these can act as strong deterrents to prevent an intruder before they get close.

But it’s not just outside you need to consider. Don’t forget to secure internal areas too. Lock sensitive areas like server rooms and storage for valuable equipment to prevent unauthorised access – not only does this make sure staff only go where they need to be, it also provides an additional barrier if someone was to gain entry to your property.

Protect Physical Assets

Store physical assets, like laptops, in locked cabinets or safes when not in use or overnight. Do the same with documents and data. Use fire safes, data safes, and secure cabinets to safeguard physical assets (like laptops), paper records, digital backups and any other company valuables.

For your digital assets, ensure network devices and servers are kept in secure rooms to prevent tampering. It’s great having digital security but that won’t protect someone tampering with your equipment physically.

Have Clear Policies

As you would with cyber security, make sure to create clear, documented policies for physical security. Outline processes for locking doors, reporting issues, and managing visitors. Specify who can access which areas, how credentials are issued, and the process for revoking access when staff leave.

Ultimately, if a security breach does happen, you want to make sure your staff know what to do but you also want to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Stay Vigilant

Encourage employees to be aware of their surroundings, report suspicious behaviour, and follow security procedures.

Routinely monitor and test your security systems and procedures to ensure they are effective and up to date. As part of this, organise scheduled walk-throughs with a qualified locksmith to identify vulnerabilities at any point in your security journey. It’s better to map your vulnerabilities before criminals do.

Physical and cyber security aren’t rivals – they’re partners in safeguarding your business. A robust IT firewall won’t stop a smashed window, just as a high-security lock won’t detect a phishing email. By treating these disciplines equally, you create a truly resilient defence.

For more than a century, H Harrold and Sons has helped Sheffield businesses stay secure. As an MLA approved locksmith and security specialist, we continue to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern access control to protect people, property and peace of mind.