Published December 12, 2017
Gyms security and thieves
Gym security is not something gym owners think about very often because generally thieves don’t target gyms.
Why wouldn’t thieves steal from Gyms?
- There isn’t enough cash on-site.
- The machines are too heavy to move.
- Resale price of exercise equipment is just not worth the effort to resell.
- Many gyms are 24/7 and always have someone there.
I know what you are thinking…Why are you writing this article if Gyms don’t need security from theft? Well just because thieves don’t target gyms doesn’t mean physical break-ins don’t happen.
In my opinion all businesses need at least a monitored alarm system. An alarm is especially important for 24/7 facilities (like gyms). For example Shield Fire & Security has a customer whose employee was held at gunpoint at a 24/7 facility. She was able to hit a panic button to notify the authorities that she was in trouble. The woman’s life was saved, and she is very thankful the business owner had the alarm for her safety.
Now that my alarm tangent is over let me go over the kind of theft Gyms have….
Gym Security against unconventional theft
It’s that time of year where we are all thinking about our new year resolutions. My top resolution is to go to the gym more. Obviously many others share this same resolution every year; otherwise my gym wouldn’t be packed with people every time the first of the year rolled around. This influx of people is what generally causes a gyms’ service to be abused. Gym members are difficult to track when they come in, especially if there’s always a lot of people coming in at once. There are unfortunately people who see the gym is very busy and take advantage by sneaking their friends in for free. If people get into the gym without the owner or manager knowing this causes a huge liability issue. The members “sneaking in” did not sign an agreement with the gym so if they get hurt the gym could be liable.
Shield Fire & Security can prevent this liability gamble by installing a video camera, and an access control card reader where members enter the building. These two devices intertwine together on a secure cloud hosted system called Brivo OnAir. The card reader only let’s in authorized members at the times the owner or manager designates. The camera will catch all visitors on clear crisp video whether it’s day or night. With Brivo OnAir you can have a video clip taken when the door opens, and can send a clip to your phone and/or email. If you are only concerned with visitors at night you can set a rule to only send clips at night. The Brivo OnAir app also allows you to login and see a full history of your card reader and video footage.
Gym Security for Employees
Let’s circle back to gym security for employees. I know we discussed this a bit earlier, but it’s an important topic to discuss with any business. Protecting your employees is imperative. Something that is not replaceable and insured is someone’s life.
Video surveillance system is a great thing to have as well as the panic button as I discussed earlier. Every gym in my opinion should have both of these items. Video surveillance will record any accidents that take place, for example someone pulling a muscle or hurting themselves on a machine. The panic button will make sure authorities and the owner/manager are contacted immediately in the event of an emergency. This event could be an unruly or dangerous person at the gym, someone having a heart attack, someone coming in without authorization, etc. Every business owner needs to be prepared for a an emergency whether it’s for insurance purposes, lawsuits, or overall safety. Having one of these security devices could save you 1000’s of dollars.
Gym Professional Security 
Shield Fire & Security installs state-of-the art video surveillance systems, access control systems, burglar alarm systems, and fire alarm systems. Contact us today to pursue a security system for your business and/or home at 702-570-6221 or by clicking here. We give free quotes, and will walk your facility to tailor your security system to fit your needs. Shield Fire & Security urges you to have security equipment installed by a professional to ensure you get the quality and coverage you are looking for in an emergency.
