Let me paint a picture.
It’s 2:42 a.m.
Your shop is quiet. The streets are empty.
But your motion alert just pinged.
Is it a raccoon? Or a would-be thief?
The difference? About $5,000 in damages, lost inventory, and a week of regret that you didn’t tighten your security sooner.
Whether you run a storefront in St. Cloud, a warehouse in Sauk Rapids, or an office in Waite Park—your business is only as secure as the systems you put in place. And as a security installer in Central MN, I’ve heard the “wish I would have...” stories more times than I can count.
So, let’s get ahead of the curve. Here are my Top 10 Security Tips to keep your business locked down and your peace of mind intact.
1. Do a Site Walkthrough (Like... Right Now)
You wouldn’t install sprinklers without checking where the fire hazards are, right?
Security works the same way. Walk your building. Note dark corners, weak doors, and hidden exits. Then call in a pro to confirm (yes, like us 😉).
2. Invest in Smart Cameras (Not That Cheap Amazon Bundle)
Pixelated mystery blobs don’t hold up in court. Get high-resolution, infrared, and cloud-accessible cameras. Bonus points if they integrate with your phone for real-time alerts.
3. Access Control = Employee Accountability
Keycards. Mobile credentials. PINs.
Who enters where—and when—shouldn’t be a mystery. Modern access control systems tell the full story without making anyone feel micromanaged.
4. Ditch the One-Key-Fits-All Mentality
If one lost key means every lock needs replacing, it’s time to upgrade. Mechanical keys are old news. Electronic access is trackable, changeable, and way more secure.
5. Monitor Blind Spots (You Have Them, I Promise)
Common misses:
- Back alleys
- Loading docks
- Inside the stockroom
- Staff-only entrances
Don’t wait for an incident to find out you missed a key camera angle.
6. Light It Up
Motion-triggered lights deter intruders. They also make your cameras more effective at night. A well-lit property says, “I’m watching. Don’t even think about it.”
7. Set Up Alerts for Off-Hours Activity
If your business is closed and someone’s poking around the door, your phone should buzz. Systems like ours let you customize alerts and respond fast.
8. Keep Equipment Updated (Old Tech is Basically an Invite)
If your system is more than 5 years old, it’s time for a checkup. Hackers and trespassers evolve. So should your security.
9. Train Your Team
The fanciest system in the world won’t help if employees hold the door open for strangers or leave the back door propped open. Talk about policies. Reward awareness.
10. Partner With a Local Pro Who Actually Answers the Phone
Out-of-state companies? Good luck getting a tech out when your NVR goes down.
At Shepherd Security, we’re right here in Central MN—ready when you need us. Installations, upgrades, maintenance, real support. No nonsense.
TL;DR:
Security isn’t just a camera on the wall. It’s a mindset, a system, and a commitment. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, these 10 tips are your blueprint for peace of mind—and protection that actually works.
📲 Want a free walkthrough or just want to pick my brain?
Call us at (320) 200-1869.
We protect the businesses that keep Central MN running—and we’re just getting started.
