When you are operating a business in a rural area, security should be a main focus of your operation. Because of the large areas that rural law enforcement detachments cover, response times often take over 30 minutes. With help at least half an hour away, businesses need to be proactive and strategic about their security measures. We are sharing practical ways to keep your commercial or industrial property and inventory safe from criminals.
Understanding the Rural Security Challenge
Every business has its own unique security concerns, but those based in rural communities often share similar vulnerabilities.
There are fewer people around, or sometimes no one at all, to act as witnesses and deterrents to criminals. Neighbouring businesses may be spread too far apart to keep an eye out for each other. As we mentioned before, another concern for rural businesses is that RCMP and other law enforcement organizations are spread thinner in rural areas, so their response times to reports of crime are longer.
Building a Business Community Security Network
One of the most powerful security tools available to rural business owners costs nothing but time and communication; it’s collaborating with neighbouring businesses. If you have businesses that are close enough to look out for suspicious activity around your business, you can partner up with each other.
Here are some ways that you can work together with nearby businesses to keep everyone safe:
- Set up a business watch program to keep an eye out for each other
- Create an emergency alert system (text message group, phone tree, etc.) to quickly notify each other of suspicious activity
- Share security camera footage when incidents occur
- Meet regularly to discuss recent security concerns and share information about suspicious activities
- Consider joint investments in security infrastructure that benefit multiple businesses
It is also beneficial to develop positive relationships with residential neighbours so they can keep an eye on your business. This collaborative approach increases the "eyes and ears" protecting your business.
Designing Security from the Ground Up with CPTED Principles
Physical barriers, such as fencing and gates, are one of the most common forms of security implemented by businesses, but typically they only delay rather than prevent entry; most barriers will slow criminals by 5 minutes or less. Consider adding more security measures to prevent robberies or vandalism. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is effective in deterring criminals, especially when it is incorporated from the beginning. When designing new industrial spaces or renovating existing commercial ones, consider adding CPTED into your designs.
Natural Surveillance
- Position windows and doors to maximize visibility of entrances, parking areas, and vulnerable access points
- Design open floor plans with clear sightlines throughout the property
- Install adequate lighting that eliminates dark corners and shadows
- Position high-value inventory and equipment where they can be easily monitored
Natural Access Control
- Clearly define property boundaries with landscaping, pavement treatments, and signage
- Minimize the number of building entry/exit points
- Direct visitor flow through designated areas that can be easily monitored
- Use thorny or dense vegetation as natural barriers to discourage unwanted access
Secure Your Area
- Clearly define public, semi-public, and private spaces
- Use design elements (different paving materials, changes in elevation, landscaping) to signal transitions between spaces
- Maintain the property often to show that it is regularly occupied
- Prominently display company signage and logos to establish ownership
- Install fencing and gates to deter criminals
Target Hardening
- Install quality doors, windows, and locks appropriate to the security risk
- Consider security film for windows to prevent easy break-ins
- Strategically place bollards, concrete planters, or other barriers to prevent vehicle ram-raids
Technology Solutions for Rural Security
Modern security technology offers powerful tools for rural businesses to overcome the challenges of isolation.
Remote Monitoring Systems
- Cloud-based video surveillance allows real-time monitoring from anywhere
- Motion-activated cameras with push notifications to your smartphone
- License plate recognition systems track vehicles on your property
- Thermal cameras for nighttime monitoring of large areas
Alarm Systems
- Cellular-based alarm systems that don't rely on landline connections
- Systems with battery backup for power outage protection
- Motion sensors, glass break detectors, and door/window sensors
- Silent alarm options that don't alert intruders but notify authorities
Access Control
- Electronic access systems that log all entry/exit activity
- Key fob or card systems that can be quickly deactivated if lost or stolen
- Remote lock/unlock capabilities through mobile applications
Creating a Security Plan
To keep your commercial or industrial property safe, it helps to have a solid plan in writing. Think about putting together a security plan that covers:
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Identify vulnerabilities in your business location and operations
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Take a record of the physical, technological, and procedural measures in place
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Document clear procedures for different security incidents that could happen
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Outline security awareness and incident response training for all your employees
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Schedule periodic security audits and updates to your plan
Partnering with the Alberta Provincial Rural Crime Watch Association
You can also have another partner in securing your business. The Alberta Provincial Rural Crime Watch Association has corporate memberships available for Alberta businesses and organizations.
Benefits of APRCWA Corporate Membership
- Access to crime prevention resources
- Connection to a network of community members who look out for one another
- Regular updates on local crime trends and patterns
- Signage that serves as a visible deterrent to potential criminals
- Connections with local law enforcement
- Opportunity to participate in community crime prevention initiatives
How to Join as a Corporate Member
Contact us at to learn more about corporate memberships. Corporate memberships support our organization’s work while providing your business with essential security resources.
Security needs to be proactive instead of reactive. Remember that security is not about implementing a single solution; it’s about creating layers of protection that work together to deter, delay, detect, and respond to threats.
When you combine community collaboration, thoughtful design using CPTED principles, the right security features, and a partnership with organizations like APRCWA, you reduce the chances of your business being a target for criminal activity.
June 02, 2025