---
title: Protect Your Business With the 5 D's of Commercial Security
description: The 4 D's of security are now the 5 D's of security; deter, design, detect, delay, defend (formerly deter, detect, delay, defend)? They're critical to protecting your business.
image: https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/private-property-1109273_1920.jpg
---

[Blog](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog)

[Categories](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/protect-your-business-with-the-5-ds-of-commercial-security#)

- [Verified Security Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-security-alarms)
- [Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security)
- [CCTV Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-video-surveillance)
- [Retail Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail-security)
- [Security Tips](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-tips)
- [Building Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/building-access-control)
- [Office Workplace Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/office-workplace-security)
- [Verified Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-video-surveillance)
- [SonaVision Online Monitoring](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/sonavision-online-monitoring)
- [Prevent False Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/prevent-false-alarms)
- [Verified Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-alarms)
- [Security for Construction Sites](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-construction-sites)
- [Construction Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/construction-security)
- [Office Building Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/office-building-security)
- [Security for Auto Dealerships](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-auto-dealerships)
- [Restaurant Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/restaurant-security)
- [Monitored Audio Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/monitored-audio-alarms)
- [CCTV](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv)
- [Pharmacy and Drug Store Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/pharmacy-and-drug-store-security)
- [Security Audit](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-audit)
- [Small Business Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/small-business-security)
- [Managed Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/managed-access-control)
- [Prevent Copper Theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/prevent-copper-theft)
- [Security for Fenced Compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-fenced-compounds)
- [False Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/false-alarms)
- [Police Response to Sonitrol](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/police-response-to-sonitrol)
- [Security for Marijuana Grow-Ops](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-marijuana-grow-ops)
- [Crime Prevention Tips](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/crime-prevention-tips)
- [Security Systems for Schools](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-systems-for-schools)
- [CCTV Versus Sonavision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-versus-sonavision)
- [School Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/school-security)
- [Security for Pharmacies](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-pharmacies)
- [Security for Warehouses & Manufacturing](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-warehouses-manufacturing)
- [Fenced Compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fenced-compounds)
- [Government Building Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/government-building-security)
- [Business Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/business-security)
- [Keyless Entry](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/keyless-entry)
- [Police Response Times](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/police-response-times)
- [Professional Office Seccurity](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/professional-office-seccurity)
- [Security for Place of Worship](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-place-of-worship)
- [SonaVision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/sonavision)
- [Automotive](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/automotive)
- [Dealerships](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/dealerships)
- [Keyless Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/keyless-access-control)
- [Retail](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail)
- [Verified Reponse](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-reponse)
- [Copper Theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/copper-theft)
- [Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/surveillance)
- [Workplace security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/workplace-security)
- [vandalism](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/vandalism)
- [Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/access-control)
- [Audio Intrusion](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/audio-intrusion)
- [Equipment](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/equipment)
- [Financial Institutions](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/financial-institutions)
- [Legal Marijuana Grow-Op Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/legal-marijuana-grow-op-security)
- [Offices](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/offices)
- [Place of Worship](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/place-of-worship)
- [commercial security audit](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security-audit)
- [Cannabis Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cannabis-security)
- [Church](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/church)
- [Criminal Apprehension](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-apprehension)
- [Guaranteed Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/guaranteed-commercial-security)
- [Restaurants](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/restaurants)
- [employee theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/employee-theft)
- [Construction](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/construction)
- [False Alarm Permits](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/false-alarm-permits)
- [Fraud](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fraud)
- [Government Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/government-security)
- [Technology](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/technology)
- [criminal captures](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-captures)
- [education](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/education)

# Protect Your Business With the 5 D's of Commercial Security

![Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/joe-blog-avatar.png?width=50&height=50&name=joe-blog-avatar.png)

 by [Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/author/joe-wilson)

April 10, 2017

![sonitrol_sign-1.jpg](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/sonitrol_sign-1.jpg?width=275&height=183&name=sonitrol_sign-1.jpg)Business owners are right to be concerned about the security of their facility and property. Businesses are the number one targets for crime. The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association estimates that property crime averages 75% of all crime committed. 

It's true that some types of commercial enterprises are more attractive to thieves because of what they sell or inventory - [medical marijuana](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/legal-marijuana-grow-ops-are-high-risk-ventures-and-need-a-special-security-solution), [jewelry](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/feedback/great-audio-clip-of-2-perps-breaking-through-a-wall-into-a-jewelry-store), [electronics](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/feedback/sonitrol-audio-system-stops-thieves-trying-to-enter-visions-electronics-building), to name a few, but even if you aren't in high-end retail, don't be fooled into thinking you are safe. Thieves break into [constructions sites](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/5-ways-to-improve-security-on-your-construction-site), [tire warehouses](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/feedback/man-caught-stealing-tires-from-compound-helicopter-dispatched), [fenced compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/security-for-fenced-compounds-video-monitoring-cctv-cameras-verified-video-burglar-alarms), and even ordinary [business offices](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/10-office-security-tips-to-secure-your-workplace), to steal information like employee data for identify theft.

You may have initially addressed security when you took on a new office location or started up your business, but security risks have changed, your asset values may have increased, and you may be employing more people. It's prudent to re-evaluate your system.

A comprehensive, effective [integrated security system](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/security-solutions) will reduce your risk, minimize your losses, and protect your property and employees from harm.

But what does a security system cover? It's more than access control (keyed or coded entry) and surveillance (CCTV cameras) - it's a well thought out system that covers the 5 D's of security.

**DETER:** From the get-go you want to deter the criminal. Proper signage that warns off intruders by letting them know the grounds are off limits and protection is effective. This is especially true when the signage shows a Sonitrol Verified security system is installed. We have a reputation for criminal apprehensions that is second to none in the industry. Criminals are comfortable defeating conventional alarms systems and know that police do not respond to them in a timely manner or at all in communities that have instituted Verified Only Dispatch Policies.

**DESIGN:** How well designed is your system? Design spells out where access is controlled, signs placed, alarms and detection installed, as well as what technology is used. Unless you've worked in security, you should get professional help in designing the system for your property. Our Sonitrol security specialists will walk your property, look at plans, review your current system and processes, and talk about your unique business and what you need to keep it safe.

**DETECT:** This is where technology comes into play. Sonitrol security systems detect crime with Verified and monitored video and audio, captured and analyzed in real-time. We are your eyes and ears 24x7 on your property. When we our Verified security system detects an intrusion, we personally verify it and only call the authorities once we have done so. Verified systems are so respected by law enforcement that most agencies only respond to calls from verified systems, like Sonitrol and penalize false alarms! The average police response time to a Sonitrol verified alarm is just 3.5 minutes!  

**DELAY:** When an intrusion does takes place, the criminal often has to pass through different areas to get to what they are planning to take. Do you have barriers, locked doors, locked compounds that will slow down the crime? This should be considered because minutes bought by keeping the criminal on-site will greatly increase the chance that the police will be able to stop the theft before damage is done and goods stolen.

**DEFEND:** The best defence is to actually stop the crime in progress. If you only install a [CCTV](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/why-is-cctv-video-surveillance-important-to-your-business) video camera, and the CCTV camera is not monitored by professionals, then you are only recording information that will be viewed after you have already been hit. And the cost of this to your business is often much greater than just the material cost of the goods. Production or contracted work schedules can be affected, productivity reduced while stolen tools are replaced, orders can be missed resulting in lost customers,.. the list goes on and on. Sonitrol alarms are monitored and verified and they are acted upon by Police when the intrusion takes place, before the theft actually occurs!

Does your current system address the 5 D's of security; deter, design, detect, delay, defend?

If not, or you're not sure - [give us a call](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/contact-sonitrol-western-canada) and we'll help you evaluate your business security systems. [Sonitrol](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/learn-about-sonitrol-western-canada) provides expert advice and affordable systems and alarms for small to large commercial businesses.

[![Get A Free Security Plan For Your Business!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/477f2c49-27bd-41c9-8426-a421df402b25.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/477f2c49-27bd-41c9-8426-a421df402b25)

**  
About Sonitrol Western Canada**

We're so confident in our technology and responsive service, that no one else in the industry can match our guarantee.  Our unique verified audio and CCTV video business security solutions enable our operators to hear and see what is happening in your business before the criminals gain entry!!  We verify the actual source of the alarm, and we get the police to attend the scene immediately. We are a security company with over 150 offices across North America serving clients across Western Canada, including [British Columbia](http://t.sidekickopen61.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XYgdnHT2W1px0zF2zGG26W7fsH1M56dQGVf1JRc8-02?t=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonitrolwesterncanada.com%2Fbritish-columbia-bc-security-systems-cctv-burglar-alarms-british-columbia-alarm-company&si=6025642232250368&pi=49453de9-4383-46c5-cc5c-e5ba776aeb19), [Alberta](http://t.sidekickopen61.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XYgdnHT2W1px0zF2zGG26W7fsH1M56dQGVf1JRc8-02?t=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonitrolwesterncanada.com%2Falberta-security-systems-cctv-burglar-alarms-and-alberta-alarm-company&si=6025642232250368&pi=49453de9-4383-46c5-cc5c-e5ba776aeb19), [Saskatchewan](http://t.sidekickopen61.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XYgdnHT2W1px0zF2zGG26W7fsH1M56dQGVf1JRc8-02?t=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonitrolwesterncanada.com%2Fsaskatchewan-security-systems-cctv-burglar-alarm-and-saskatchewan-alarm-company&si=6025642232250368&pi=49453de9-4383-46c5-cc5c-e5ba776aeb19), [Victoria](http://t.sidekickopen61.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XYgdnHT2W1px0zF2zGG26W7fsH1M56dQGVf1JRc8-02?t=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonitrolwesterncanada.com%2Fvictoria-security-systems-and-burglar-alarms&si=6025642232250368&pi=49453de9-4383-46c5-cc5c-e5ba776aeb19), [Vancouver](http://t.sidekickopen61.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XYgdnHT2W1px0zF2zGG26W7fsH1M56dQGVf1JRc8-02?t=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonitrolwesterncanada.com%2Fvancouver-commercial-alarms-vancouver-business-security-cctv-burglar-alarms-vancouver-alarm-company&si=6025642232250368&pi=49453de9-4383-46c5-cc5c-e5ba776aeb19), [Edmonton](http://t.sidekickopen61.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XYgdnHT2W1px0zF2zGG26W7fsH1M56dQGVf1JRc8-02?t=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonitrolwesterncanada.com%2Fedmonton-commercial-alarms-and-business-security-edmonton-burglar-alarm-company-edmonton-cctv-alarms&si=6025642232250368&pi=49453de9-4383-46c5-cc5c-e5ba776aeb19), [Calgary](http://t.sidekickopen61.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XYgdnHT2W1px0zF2zGG26W7fsH1M56dQGVf1JRc8-02?t=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonitrolwesterncanada.com%2Fcalgary-security-systems-cctv-burglar-alarms-calgary-alarm-company&si=6025642232250368&pi=49453de9-4383-46c5-cc5c-e5ba776aeb19), [Saskatoon](http://t.sidekickopen61.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XYgdnHT2W1px0zF2zGG26W7fsH1M56dQGVf1JRc8-02?t=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonitrolwesterncanada.com%2Fsaskatoon-commercial-alarms-and-business-security-cctv-burglar-alarms-saskatoon-alarm-company&si=6025642232250368&pi=49453de9-4383-46c5-cc5c-e5ba776aeb19).  

Sonitrol Western Canada, with its Verified Electronic Security Systems, is committed to providing customers with the most comprehensive security protection.  Cooperation in the elimination of false alarms is not only beneficial to the system’s user but results in better protection of the entire community by allowing law enforcement to use their resources as efficiently as possible.

 

**Tags: **

[Fenced Compounds, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fenced-compounds) [Commercial Security, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security) [Legal Marijuana Grow-Op Security, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/legal-marijuana-grow-op-security) [Construction Security, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/construction-security) [Retail Security, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail-security) [Office Building Security, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/office-building-security) [CCTV Video Surveillance, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-video-surveillance) [Building Access Control, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/building-access-control) [Criminal Apprehension](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-apprehension)

![Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/joe-blog-avatar.png?width=50&height=50&name=joe-blog-avatar.png)

Post by [Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/author/joe-wilson)  
 April 10, 2017

 We provide our customers with the best commercial security solutions and quality service backed by our unique Guarantee and Commitment to Service. It's something unverified conventional alarm companies simply cannot guarantee!

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##### Learn what the competition isn't telling you about commercial security systems

Become a more informed security system buyer, as this guide explains in detail why conventional alarms are ineffective, and could make your business vulnerable to theft and robbery.

[Download Guide](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/25-misconceptions-about-commercial-alarm-systems-and-problems-with-conventional-cctv-alarms)

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Free eBook: Learn What The Competition Isn't Telling You About Commercial Security Systems

#### There are lots of problems with conventional, commercial security alarm systems that you need to know about.

Become a more informed security system buyer, as this guide explains in detail why conventional alarms are ineffective and could make your business vulnerable to theft and robbery.

[![Read the Free Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/74f580dc-96d9-4e5a-bd7c-ff3d4a60f554.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/74f580dc-96d9-4e5a-bd7c-ff3d4a60f554)