Most business owners assume their locks are doing their job. Doors are shut, keys are handed out to the right people, and alarm systems might be in place. Everything seems fine.
But here’s the truth: physical security is one of the most overlooked areas in business risk management. And in many cases, it’s only after a break-in, internal theft, or equipment loss that companies realise they should have done more.
A professional security audit from a commercial locksmith isn’t just about changing locks. It’s about spotting weak points, improving access control, and making sure your workplace is genuinely protected.
So why should this be on your priority list this year?
What exactly is a commercial security audit?
Before we go further, let’s clear something up. A security audit isn’t just a quick look at your front door. A qualified commercial locksmith Perth based will assess your entire premises. This includes the following:
- Entry points – doors, windows, gates, roller shutters
- Locks – their strength, condition, and key control
- Access systems – who can get in, and how easy it is to copy keys or override entry
- Hardware – panic bars, door closers, safes, cabinets
- Surroundings – lighting, fencing, visibility, and signage
They’ll look for gaps that could be exploited by someone with bad intentions. They’ll also look for legal compliance risks, such as whether emergency exits can open easily or whether fire-rated doors are up to standard.
Why it matters more this year than ever
It’s not just about protecting your property. It’s about staying ahead of rising threats and making sure your systems haven’t fallen behind. This year, in particular, there are a few reasons why it’s worth making this a priority:
Increased foot traffic and turnover
More businesses are reopening offices, growing their teams, and bringing in more contractors and casual staff. That means more people coming and going. Unless your access systems are tight and updated, it becomes hard to control who can enter different areas.
Rise in commercial break-ins
Commercial properties are being targeted more frequently, especially during off-peak hours. Warehouses, office buildings, medical facilities, and retail stores are all being hit. Outdated locks or poor key control makes you an easy target.
Staff changes and key handovers
When staff leave, do they return keys? Do you know how many duplicates were made? If you haven’t rekeyed or reviewed your access points in a while, there could be dozens of working keys floating around that you’re unaware of.
Insurance and liability risks
In the event of a security breach, your insurer may want proof that you had proper measures in place. A recent locksmith audit and any recommended upgrades could show that you took reasonable steps to secure your property.
Key benefits of hiring a commercial locksmith for an audit
You might assume your current systems are fine. But here’s what a professional audit can actually reveal and improve:
1. Identify weak entry points
A trained locksmith will know where intruders typically test access. They’ll assess all doors and windows, including ones you might never use, to check for vulnerable locks, hinges, or outdated hardware.
2. Control key duplication
Key control is often a blind spot. A locksmith can check whether your current system uses restricted keys, and whether your staff are carrying keys that should have been returned. They can also advise on master key setups to simplify access without reducing security.
3. Ensure compliance with safety codes
There are strict rules for emergency exits, fire doors, and accessibility. Failing to meet these doesn’t just put people at risk; it could lead to fines or legal issues. Locksmiths know the codes and can advise on upgrades if something isn’t compliant.
4. Recommend access control upgrades
If your business still relies on basic keys, you could be missing out on smarter, more secure options. Without naming brands or systems, it’s fair to say that modern access control can be customised to give you better control over who enters and when.
5. Peace of mind for staff and management
Knowing that your workplace has been professionally checked gives everyone confidence. Staff can feel safer working late or locking up. Managers don’t have to worry about what could go wrong after hours.
Red flags your business might already have
Even if you haven’t had any security incidents, these signs could mean it’s time for an audit:
- You’ve had staff turnover in the past year and didn’t rekey
- Some doors are hard to close or lock properly
- You don’t know how many copies of your keys exist
- Access to sensitive areas isn’t clearly controlled
- Locks, doors, or windows haven’t been inspected in over 12 months
If any of these apply to your site, it’s worth having a professional take a look.
Who should schedule the audit?
It’s not just big corporations or high-risk industries that need to care about physical security. Small businesses, co-working spaces, medical centres, warehouses, and even cafés with valuable equipment should consider it.
If your business has:
- Multiple staff or departments
- Valuable stock, tools, or equipment
- Confidential documents or data stored on-site
- Frequent visitors, contractors, or after-hours workers
Then you could benefit from a proper audit. It’s one of the most practical ways to reduce risk without spending a fortune.
What to expect during the audit
The process is usually straightforward. A qualified locksmith will walk through your premises, ask some questions about who accesses what, and check the physical conditions of doors, locks, and hardware.
They’ll often provide a written report or verbal summary with their findings and suggestions. From there, it’s up to you whether you move ahead with any upgrades.
Some changes might be simple, like replacing a worn-out lock or adjusting a door closer. Others might involve adding new layers of access control or rekeying the entire site. Either way, you’ll get a clearer picture of what’s needed.
Time to take a closer look
Security isn’t just about alarms and cameras. It starts with who can physically get in and how easily.
A locksmith audit gives you clarity, helps you plan smarter upgrades, and closes the gaps you didn’t know were there. If your locks haven’t had attention in a while, now’s the time to take action. You might be surprised at what’s uncovered.
