Securing Your Shop Front: A Landlord's Checklist

Retail units get targeted differently to homes — usually out of hours, and usually with the shutter or the door itself as the weak point.

Shutter locks

Shutter padlocks and locking bars are often the first thing checked and the first thing upgraded. A worn or basic padlock here undermines everything behind it.

Door and frame strength

Glass shop fronts need locks rated for the door type, and the frame itself needs to be solid enough that the lock isn't the weakest link.

Alarm and lock integration

If there's an alarm system, it's worth checking the door and shutter locks are rated to hold long enough for the alarm to do its job before entry is gained.

Insurance requirements

Commercial insurance policies often specify minimum lock standards for retail premises — worth checking your policy wording rather than assuming your current locks qualify.

Quick checklist

Shutter padlock rated and in good condition, door lock matched to door material, frame free of rot or weak fixings, and locks checked against your insurance policy's requirements.