Summer is prime time for business owners and executives to take a well-earned break. Whether you’re headed to the beach for a long weekend or finally cashing in that two-week trip you’ve been putting off, stepping away from the day-to-day is important.
But while you recharge, criminals may see your absence as an open invitation. From opportunistic smash-and-grab attempts to employee-related incidents, leaving your business unmonitored—even temporarily—can expose you to risk.
Here’s how to keep your commercial property safe while you’re away, so you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.
Start With the Basics: Lock It Down
Before leaving town, double-check that your building’s physical entry points are secure. This might sound obvious, but it’s surprisingly common for businesses to leave older doors, windows, or service entrances unchecked for months, especially if they’re rarely used.
It’s a good time to review who has active access. If you’ve had recent staff changes or seasonal hires, make sure any old codes, badges, or keys are deactivated or collected. Take advantage of modern access control solutions to ensure you can adjust permissions remotely or receive alerts for unauthorized entry attempts.
If your system doesn’t allow that, it may be time to upgrade. Advantage Security offers access control services designed to give business owners more visibility and flexibility, even from the road.
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Keep an Eye on Things—Even From 1,000 Miles Away
When you’re away, remote monitoring can be your eyes and ears. A reliable commercial surveillance system doesn’t just record footage—it alerts you or your monitoring provider in real time if something goes wrong.
With 24/7 remote monitoring services, you don’t have to worry about missing a late-night break-in or being blindsided by a mid-day incident. Advantage Security’s monitoring solutions offer customized alerts, smart integrations, and professional oversight when you need it most.
It’s a layer of protection that travels with you—no matter where summer takes you.
Watch for Smash-and-Grab Risks
Vacant buildings or visibly understaffed businesses are magnets for opportunistic crimes, especially during peak travel seasons. Smash-and-grab incidents are on the rise in many areas, and these quick, aggressive attacks can leave behind serious damage—both physically and financially.
If your business has large storefront windows, limited after-hours staff, or valuable merchandise or equipment visible from outside, you’re at greater risk.
Fortunately, proactive steps like reinforced glass, security film, and alarm-linked glass-break sensors can significantly reduce your vulnerability. Advantage Security specializes in Smash & Grab Mitigation that deters criminals and buys time for law enforcement response.
Leaving town without thinking about this exposure? That’s a risk you don’t need to take.
Prep Your Team and Set Clear Expectations
Security isn’t just about systems—it’s about people. Before you leave, make sure your team knows the plan. Identify who’s responsible for locking up, responding to alerts, and communicating with your security provider if an issue arises.
Limit access to only those who truly need it during your time away. That not only reduces your risk of internal issues but also prevents confusion if a security event occurs and no one’s sure who was supposed to be where.
A short team meeting or written checklist can go a long way in preventing missed steps or miscommunications.
Use Your Vacation as a Mid-Year Security Checkpoint
Even if you’re confident in your current setup, stepping away from the business is a great moment to re-evaluate your overall security plan. Are there blind spots you’ve been ignoring? Are your policies up to date? Do your systems still meet the demands of your business today, not just when they were first installed?
A mid-year security audit can identify vulnerabilities before they become significant issues. It also gives you the opportunity to plan future upgrades, such as migrating to cloud-based access control or installing panic buttons in high-risk areas.
Advantage Security’s consulting team can help you assess, plan, and implement a system that protects what matters most, whether you’re on-site or out of office.
Protect Your Time Off the Same Way You Protect Your Business
Being a business owner means wearing a lot of hats. But when it’s time to take a break, you deserve to take it without constantly checking security camera feeds or bracing for emergency calls.
A strong security plan doesn’t just keep your building safe—it gives you the freedom to step away with confidence.
From smart surveillance to smash-and-grab deterrents, Advantage Security is here to help you put the right protections in place before your next trip. Contact our team to schedule a consultation or audit before vacation season is in full swing.
Because peace of mind shouldn’t stop at the office door.