You don’t need a flashlight, badge, or detective hat for this one, just ten minutes and a curious mindset. Simple building walks can reveal vulnerabilities that thieves, trespassers, or opportunists would love to find first.

Quick Story – A few months ago, one of our clients, let’s call him Bob the Property Manager, was convinced his building was Fort Knox. Cameras everywhere, electronic locks, motion lights, the works.

Then one evening, our patrol officer found a crash bar zip tied open.  We removed the zip tie but found a new one the next evening and did another report.

When Bob checked the camera footage, he found that it was the construction workers.  But looking closer he also discovered that random folks had been helping themselves to his janitorial supplies and one even took a few boxes of printer paper.

All it took was one simple walk around to catch it. One bad access point. Ten minutes of attention may have saved a few thousand dollars.

Moral of the story: even the best systems can’t fix what the human eye doesn’t see.

 

Buildings change. Tenants move, landscaping grows, new deliveries create blind spots, and what was secure last year can be vulnerable today. Below is a simple, actionable guide to help you identify spot weak spots, prioritize fixes, and understand why someone might want to get in.

 

Quick checklist

Bring a phone to take pictures and a notepad for fixes and ideas.

Perimeter & exterior

  • Are gates, fences, and exterior doors locked and in good repair?
  • Any gaps under gates or holes in fencing?
  • Is exterior lighting working (including motion lights)?
  • Are shrubs or trees creating hiding places near entrances or windows? Are they now covering lighting?

Access points

  • Do all personnel entrances, loading docks, and service doors close and secure properly?
  • Are any windows left open, broken, or with easy-to-remove screens?
  • Are roof access points, skylights, or basement entries secured?
  • Are items nearby that are used to prop doors open? (Rocks, wedges)

Weak or secluded spots

  • Any dark corners, alleys, stairwells, or side doors that are rarely used?
  • Are dumpsters or storage areas accessible and unlocked?
  • Are signage and building numbers visible at night for responders?

Interior vulnerabilities

  • Are interior doors (server rooms, supply closets, HR/Payroll rooms) locked when not in use?
  • Is the reception area visible from the front door, or does it get bypassed?
  • Are keys, access cards, or master codes stored securely and tracked?

Technology & monitoring

  • Are all cameras operational? Aimed properly at entrances, parking lots, and vulnerable perimeters (not pointed at blank walls)?
  • Do alarms and sensors work and are they connected to a response plan?

 

Common weak spots most people miss

  • Overgrown landscaping that creates concealment.
  • Loading docks and service entrances with lax procedures.
  • Rooftop or attic access left unsecured after maintenance.
  • Poorly lit parking lots and pedestrian routes.
  • Employee doors propped open for convenience.
  • Shared/communal areas (garages, back alleys) with lax oversight.

 

Ask yourself, “Why would someone want access?”

Understanding the motive helps you prioritize what to protect.

  • Theft – of cash, inventory, equipment, tools, or materials (easy resale items like electronics or tools are attractive).
  • Vandalism – graffiti or property damage, sometimes from trespassers or disgruntled individuals.
  • Squatting / unauthorized occupancy – someone living in or claiming your space (common in vacant units).
  • Data theft / corporate espionage – access to file rooms, computers, or physical records.
  • Unauthorized use – using your space for illegal activity (drug use, storage, or staging illicit operations).
  • Opportunistic mischief – joyriders, pranksters, or curiosity-driven trespassers who expose vulnerabilities.
  • Threats or targeted attacks – disgruntled ex-employees, litigants, or criminals targeting specific assets. Know your tenants and what they may attract.

Quick, high-impact fixes

  • Fix or replace inoperable lighting.  Well-lit areas are an effective deterrent.
  • Trim back landscaping that may hides an entrance or make lighting ineffective.
  • Audit access cards or keys. Deactivate unused access cards.
  • Put a “No Tailgating” reminder on busy interior doors. Brief staff, tenants or residents on its importance.
  • Close and lock all exterior doors that are habitually propped open.

Security isn’t about paranoia, guards and gadgets; it’s about awareness and being prepared. A ten-minute walk is one of the highest-return actions you can take. You’ll protect assets, reduce liability, and give employees and clients confidence. And remember, if you need help, ACT Security Group is always available to assist.

Contact us at 877-420-9988 or info@actsecuritygroup.com