A good security strategy slows burglars down, so that the risk of detection becomes too great and they give up and leave.

* It is not expensive to take the basic steps toward securing your business. Keep the main points of entry locked with high security locks.

* Keep track of who has copies of the keys to your business. Change locks if keys are lost or stolen. If you've recently moved in, change all door locks as soon as possible.

* Always request identification from service or utility workers. Potential thieves don't always look like "thugs"!!

* At night, keep walkways well-lit. Trim the landscaping and make sure there are no areas for someone to hide easily.

* Make sure no one can copy your key(s) without your knowledge and permission.

* Use high security padlocks on your outbuildings and storage areas, preferably ones keyed the same as your main building.

If you are robbed, remember: it is better to lose your valulables than your life. Yield your possessions and let the robber go. Then call the police. Be alert to every detail that could aid in identifying the criminal.

Have you ever stopped to consider what impact a burglary would have on your business? Probably not. Most business people are too busy running their businesses to worry about incidents that seem unlikely to happen.

But what would you do if you came to work tomorrow morning and found your business had been burglarized?

* Could you make a list of all the missing items for the police?

* Would your insurance cover the cost of these items?

* If critical property like computers were stolen, would you still be able to run your business that day?

* What if the stolen items are never recovered?

And what about the intangible costs associated with a theft?

* Lost work time

* Cost of legal fees