Crime is a fact of life, and businesses are often plagued by it. There’s nothing we can do to make it go away, but smart business people can reduce their vulnerability in many ways.

Measures like locks, alarms, and good lighting make any establishment a less attractive target for criminals. A professional security consultant can give advice on alarm systems and other devices.

Following are some of the common-sense precautions businesses can take: Employees

• Develop and advise all employees of inventory control procedures. All merchandise entering and exiting your premises should be accounted for.
• Screen employees carefully before hiring them. Check their backgrounds to be sure they have not been fired for behaviour you find is dangerous or unacceptable. Train employees in proper cash handling and security measures. Set policy regarding cash on hand and stick by it.
• Research shows that employees steal from businesses that are impersonal to them and lack clear policies. Show employees you care about them and their property.
• Provide a clean and orderly work environment with secure places for their personal belongings. Offer them personal, child protection and home crime prevention information obtained from local law enforcement agencies and national organizations.
• Support their involvement in community organizations formed to prevent crime and help crime victims.

Robbery Prevention Businesses are robbed ten times more often than individuals, but common sense can reduce the chance of becoming a victim as well as the amount of money lost if you’re robbed.

Cash is what thieves want the most, so it’s important to take the following steps:

• Keep only small amounts on hand and advertise this fact.
• Make frequent bank deposits.
• Have a drop safe or time delay safe.
• Vary your deposit time and route.
• Count cash only in a private area.

Lights, locks, alarms and security procedures are all weapons businesses can use in the fight against crime.

• Have exterior and interior lighting that allows visibility into the premises from the street. Have emergency alarm system that works.
• Arrange a buddy system signal with a neighbouring business in case suspicious persons enter.
• Keep seldom used doors and windows locked at all times.
• Use mirrors, cameras, or one way glass to observe all areas of the store.
• Have more than one person on hand to open and close.
• Instruct employees to notify police about loiterers who may be “casing” the store?
• Arrange your stock to allow clear visibility in the store.
• Set up a signal for police patrol officers in case of problems.
• Arrange for a risk analysis security survey with local police.

  No matter how careful we are, robberies can still take place, and it’s important to know how to deal with them if this does happen.

• Stay as calm as possible. Try not to panic or show any signs of anger or confusion.
• Consider your well-being and that of your employees as the highest priority.
• Don’t escalate the inci-dent into a violent confrontation in which someone may be injured or killed.
• Make a conscious effort to get an accurate description of the robber(s): age, race, complexion, body build, height, weight, type and colour of clothing.

What about burglary?
Burglary is a property crime that occurs when the business is closed. The burglar may enter through any opening (door, window, air conditioning duct, skylight) or even create one through an interior shared wall or an outside wall. Reduce your risk as much as possible. Burglary is a crime of opportunity that can be prevented. Surveillance and security are critical:

• Lighting. Install bright interior and exterior lighting to make all openings visible from both the outside and the inside of the store.
• Locks and Safes. Purchase high quality door locks and use them. Grilles and storefront grates delay entry. Use an Underwriters Laboratory listed money safe, bolted to the floor and visible from the street.
• Entry Control. Know who has a key and restrict access to the front door. Change the locks if you have to fire an employee. Re-key locks annually if you have high turnover of employees. Consider an access control system rather than keys.
• Install a good quality alarm system to detect unauthorized entry.
• Windows. Consider burglary resistant glass in accessible areas. Unbreakable polycarbonate may work even better, particularly if you have high value items in window displays.
• Check closets and restrooms before you lock up. You don’t need an unwanted visitor staying inside your business after closing hours.

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