[tony_ibunkeryou]

Hello, My name is Tony.

I am a Licensed Fire Alarm/Security Technician in the state of Arkansas. I am starting this thread because I get sick of seeing people taking advantage of Store Owners. I Read the "Theft Report" quite frequently and it saddens me to see people suffering at the hand of a thief. So what Im going to do is give you suggestions on what to do to Prevent your store from being robbed.

One of the first steps you should do when Opening a Paintball store, or any store for that matter is

Step 1: Get a Security system.

To get a security system be sure to shop around. Don't go straight to big name companies like "ADT" just because you saw their commercial. There are always local companies in your town that can give you more customer service for a lower price. Because face it, owning a business isn't cheap. To find a good Security company you can also call some fire alarm companies (Some will also install Security Systems) or call your local fire department and speak with one of the Fire Inspectors or Fire Marshalls. They will guide you the right way.

Whichever route you go for a security company you "NEED" to make sure they offer,

Step 2: Monitoring.

ADT charges I around 50$ a month for this service. (note: again, there are other companies so get a quote from a couple first, they could be alot cheaper.)

This monitoring service will help keep your business protected by alerting you and the authorities that there is an intrusion in your business.

Step 3: Devices.

Less is not more in this case. Most of the Devices you will need are

1) Motion Detectors: Detect Motion in your store when your system is armed.

2) Glass Breaks: Glass breaks are placed in rooms next to windows. When a glass breaks it makes a distinct DB noise that activates the Glass Break Device causing your system to sound.

3) Door Contacts: Place these in the "exit doors" of your business. When the door opens when armed it will usually send the Control Panel in a 10 second delay until code is entered. When code is not entered Alarm will sound

4) Sirens: Place sirens in key areas. EXAMPLE: main lobby, where the security panel is, and outside to where other people can hear it.

5) Smoke/Carbon Detectors: This is optional. Based on your business your Fire Marshall may already have these installed through a fire alarm company. If not I would advise you to get a couple. Set Smoke Detectors in areas of heat. EXAMPLE: kitchen/break area, main lobby.

Step 4:CAMERA SYSTEMS

Camera systems are good in a sense that you will probably catch the person stealing. Take them to court and Prosecute. But are not necessary If you are trying to save money.

If you are wanting a camera system you will have to talk to your security company. They usually install camera systems as well but it wont be cheap. If you do get cameras make sure you get IR cameras so you can see at night. You can place these cameras in the Lobby, office, Outside the mechanical room, above the counter where the register is, and facing each exit door so you can see who is coming in and out. For alot of money you can get IR/IP addressed cameras so you can view your store from your home/tablet to watch how business is going while your not there. Again...PRICEY

Make sure your DVR (Digital Video Recorder) device is stored in the mechanical/IT room and make sure ITS LOCKED!!


When you get a Security system PLEASE make sure you have the panel locked. Security panels are usually in the Electrical room next to the FACP (FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL.) Make sure your electrical room is LOCKED! It will be alot harder for somebody to get into your electrical room.

I hope I have covered most of this. If you have any questions PLEASE, dont hesitate to PM or Email me. I always check my PM's and Emails. I hope this helps you guys. Lets get these crooks off the streets.

Thank you for your time

~TONY

[gamer565]

So basically your posting common sense of what to do, when owning a store of some kind?

[tony_ibunkeryou]

Originally Posted by gamer565

So basically your posting common sense of what to do, when owning a store of some kind?

Im providing Basic knowledge of people who do not understand the devices or how to go about getting a system and not getting ripped off by big name companies while providing basic structure on how to go about the process. Sorry its not up to your standards. Ill try to be more like you.

[Nosaj2189]

I just read the beginning post of "Some hard truths about owning a field". Now common sense would say you own air tanks, bunkers, possibly even merchandise when owning a field. Nowhere in that post does it mention the possibilities of someone just coming to play and leaving with more than they brought.
This "common sense" post tells you exactly how to prevent it. Or at least the best someone could do while owning a store/field.

Maybe this will get stickied and field/store owners will post what they use, if any, and what has worked best for them. Hopefully they never needed to use it though!

That said, nice write up.

[tony_ibunkeryou]

Originally Posted by gamer565

So basically your posting common sense of what to do, when owning a store of some kind?

Seeing that you probably know everything there is to know about Security systems. Then you would know that most businesses do not have a Security System Properly installed. Some still have a security system, although it isnt monitored or is out of date. (I see these all the time in my line of work.) Most businesses believe putting out just a simple Sticker on the door like (Secured by ADT) for example, is good enough protection. As is the same for home security also. Statistics have shown that most Robbers/Vandals will target those very houses/Business with signs on the door or lawn. Due to the fact that they are most likely just trying to evade such actions from occurring. Most businesses dont know what they are to expect from Security Companies and usually go with big name companies.

Question for you. Why do people start a business.

Answer: Your whits Never seem to disappoint Gamer565 To Make Money.

CORRECT!!

So im here to tell these Businesses that they dont have to be paying prices like these

Annual Prices of Monitoring:

ADT: 600+$
Guard Tronix: 650+$

And thats only saying you get the basic installation.

With more local companies you will find that they can save you hundreds of dollars. And thats what is really important.

But im glad you knew all of this already.

[tony_ibunkeryou]

Originally Posted by Nosaj2189

I just read the beginning post of "Some hard truths about owning a field". Now common sense would say you own air tanks, bunkers, possibly even merchandise when owning a field. Nowhere in that post does it mention the possibilities of someone just coming to play and leaving with more than they brought.
This "common sense" post tells you exactly how to prevent it. Or at least the best someone could do while owning a store/field.

Maybe this will get stickied and field/store owners will post what they use, if any, and what has worked best for them. Hopefully they never needed to use it though!

That said, nice write up.

Thanks bud

[killajay2014]

I agree with Nosa...owning a business that holds high value guns only means you need a good security system...if your too cheap to get one that's going to protect you and your merchandise than I'm sorry but your setting yourself up for theft....posting what you put is good info for people looking to START up a store with no knoladge..but telling a business owner what they already know is useless....it's like telling someone "make sure to lock your car before you leave it in a bad area of town"....I doubt this is helpfull info to be stickied

[tony_ibunkeryou]

Originally Posted by killajay2014

I agree with Nosa...owning a business that holds high value guns only means you need a good security system...if your too cheap to get one that's going to protect you and your merchandise than I'm sorry but your setting yourself up for theft....posting what you put is good info for people looking to START up a store with no knoladge..but telling a business owner what they already know is useless....it's like telling someone "make sure to lock your car before you leave it in a bad area of town"....I doubt this is helpfull info to be stickied

Like i told gamerboy, You would be surprised on how little people know on the subject. The only reason I posted this is because some companies dont even know what kind of devices they can actually get. I do this for a living. Yes im sure they "KNOW" they need to be protected. But there are certain things they need to know for example: Monitoring. When purchasing a building for a paintball store. The Previous owner could of had a security system installed. This person is free to use it if its left behind. Thinking that a door contact, and siren is good enough. Which is wrong. I just read a whole theft report on this site where the company said the robbers cut the wires to the security system. Then waltz right in and stole everything. When you have a PROPERLY installed up to date system this wouldn't of happened. But since business owners already know all of this (according to some of you) Im sure there wont be any more break ins involving any business in the U.S. EVER AGAIN!

[kylekeller24]

<3

[TheHef]

Security systems don't really help much.

[tony_ibunkeryou]

Originally Posted by TheHef

Security systems don't really help much.

Really depends on what kind you get. and how much you want to spend.

[CM Armada]

Hey Tony, that is a good post and you make plenty of good points. Our store has a really nice security system. It has saved us many times from those bastard thieves.

We learned the hard way before the system.

[tony_ibunkeryou]

[quote=CM Armada;76073136]Hey Tony, that is a good post and you make plenty of good points. Our store has a really nice security system. It has saved us many times from those bastard thieves.

We learned the hard way before the system.[/QUOTE

Thanks for the Compliment bud. Really appreciate it.

[RenoIndoorPaintball]

Though I agree with the prevention of lost merchandise with both active and passive protective measures, this post is about another type of loss - customers.

Security cameras may aid and or prevent the loss of shelf items but they also may be used to prevent the loss of customers.

Reno Indoor Paintball installed a 32 camera system controlled by a 12 terabyte server that covers not only the merchandise, but also the customers on and off the field. Having more eyes on the field than just one or two on field referee(s) enables the eye in the sky to call in potential hazards to the on field referees and respond to adverse situations faster than ever before. Our camera system is pointed at hidden spots where players are out of view of the on field referee staff and through our radio and PA system we can enforce safety protocol.

One seriously injured player is a loss that no field should suffer or allow. Please do not just worry about a 50 or 500 dollar shelf item when the one asset no one can afford to lose is a customer.