Community Safety Tips

• Auto Crime
• Bullying
• Business Security
• Counterfeiting
• Crime Prevention Education
• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
• How to Report a Missing Person
• Identifying and Reporting a suspected drug house or Grow Operation
• Missing Persons
• Parent Safety Tips
• SAFE Plan (School Action for Emergencies)
• Senior Safety
• Street Proofing Your Kids

Business Security Prevention Measures

• Crimes against small business are often crimes of opportunity. Thieves are looking for cash and an easy target. If you own or manage a business, the fear of a burglary, a robbery or a major shoplifting loss is probably never far from your mind. Below are some tips on how to protect your small business:

External

• Make sure trees and shrubs around the exterior of the building and entrance ways are trimmed (bushes trimmed down to 1 meter and trees up to 2 meters around).
• Is your site clean of garbage, graffiti, etc? Garbage containers should have closed and lockable lids.
• Keep the premises visible from the street; avoid blocking the interior view with high window displays and/or advertisements on windows.
• Don’t leave ladders, tools or large objects lying around that a burglar could use to help him break in.
• Does the lighting reach 10 meters? Is it evenly distributed? Lighting should limit or eliminate dark shadows in which people might hide.
• Do you use a security company or have an alarm system? Are security cameras recording surveillance?
• Do you have full surround fencing? Do you have a gate? Is the padlock always locked?
• Clearly mark parking areas and entrances to the business.

Doors and Windows

Ensure all doors and windows:

• Use deadbolts with a 1 throw.
• Have high security plates with 3 screws
• Have adequate cylinder guards
• Have full length astragals.
• Use well installed bars or other window protection on windows and patio doors (e.g., anti-lift or antislide devices).

Interior

• Consider the use of motion sensors and audible alarms and/or surveillance camera with internet access to make a verified alarm
• Lock individual interior offices when not in use or to limit unauthorized access
• Enforce policy on public access into the office or areas within the office

Appearance

The appearance of a business can attract or deter crime and criminals. The following steps can help secure your business:

• Maintain the property. A rundown business or building will attract criminals, so make sure that the building, the landscaping, the sidewalks and the parking areas are all clean and well-maintained.
• Do not keep old or damaged displays, posters or signs that are no longer useful to you.
• Keep the building, especially the rear, well-lit at night.
• Keep business premises clear of clutter and garbage.

Store Layout

• Have the checkout counter near the front of the store, so that employees can monitor activities inside and outside the store.
• Clearly mark public and private areas and make private areas hard to access for non-employees.
• Control access to cash register area to protect against tampering with Point of Sale terminals (i.e., Interac PIN pads).•Keep trees near the building well-trimmed and secure escape ladders so that they cannot be used to access the roof.
• Provide adequate lighting and eliminate blind spots. Do not use large displays or posters that would cover the windows and hamper visibility and sight lines.
• Loading areas should be kept clean and free of large objects that could hide people.
• Make sure that all entrances to the business are under constant visual surveillance. Consider installing annunciators on all unlocked doors.
• Consider installing alarm systems and surveillance systems (e.g., convex mirrors and/or CCTV cameras and monitoring equipment

Additional Management Tips

• Leave as little cash on site as possible, particularly after business hours and/or over night. Empty your cash drawers and leave them open after hours. If you must keep cash on hand, store it in a safe or strong box that is securely anchored.
• Develop and advertise a cash control policy that limits the amount of cash accessible by the cashier. Deposit cash in excess of this limit in a safe employees cannot open.
• Make frequent bank deposits, but vary your routine enough so as to not establish a predictable pattern.
• Try to maintain similar business hours to the stores around you. Work with neighbouring businesses to promote safety and address issues.
• If a burglar does get in, don’t make it easy for him/her to remove items. Bolt racks to the floor, alternate hangers on the rack, lock small valuables in cabinets and keep more valuable items further away from exits.
• If you discover a break-in, call the police immediately. Don’t enter the premises until police arrive. The thief may still be inside, or you may disturb evidence.

Employee Safety

• Establish general store security policy & procedures and provide staff with training.
• Avoid having staff working alone, particularly at night. If this is not possible, implement a Working Alone Policy and provide training to staff on safety procedures
• Provide staff with training on what to do in the event of a robbery. Never argue or try to be a hero - cooperate fully with the robber’s demands

For information on Crime Prevention through Enviromental Design please click here or contact our Crime Prevention Coordinator Mr. Clint Van Blanken at 604-463-6251 or fax 604-467-7633.