Crime Prevention Tips for Businesses

Suggestions from Sault Ste. Marie Police Services for business owners:

• Remove valuables from storefronts to help reduce smash-and-grab thefts.

• Remove all cash from the till and leave it open. Place cash tray in plain view on the counter to signal there’s no money in the till.

• Remove all signs from windows so police are able to easily see inside during patrols.

• Consider installing an alarm monitoring system. If you already have one, ensure the contact list is up-to-date.

• Clearly post signage on the door/window to indicate the premises are monitored by an alarm company and that no money is kept on the premises. Include contact information for police and the business owner in case a member if the public sees damage to the property or suspicious activity.

• If the premises are closed for an extended period of time, clean all glass surfaces and create a tracking log of when cleaning was completed. This may help investigators with suspect fingerprints in the event of a break-in.

• Consider installing a surveillance camera system that can be monitored online by the owner and/or management.

• Install latch guards on doors to protect against prying, including on secondary doors such as employee and loading entrances.

• Keep some lighting on inside for surveillance opportunities during the evening.

• Ensure all doors are properly secured and regularly check all exterior lighting is functioning.

• Remove any material around the exterior of the property that may be used to gain entry into the premises such as bricks, metal poles, and construction materials.

• Source: https://saultpolice.ca/crime-prevention-tips-for-businesses/

Crime prevention through environmental Design (CPTED)

CPTED is a way of thinking about the relationship between criminal activity and property design, a way of designing property less attractive to criminals.

FOUR MAIN PRINCIPLES

1. Natural Surveillance - a concept based on the fact criminals do not wish to be observed. Keep areas well lit. In particular, building entrances should be bright at all times and provide clear line of sight from both inside and outside. Eliminate hiding spots (e.g. hedges, dumpsters, trees, etc.) or hiding places. Use security systems such as alarms and surveillance cameras. Let the potential offender know they are being watched and monitored.

2. Natural Access Control - criminals like to feel that they are in control. However, this sense of control can be denied by clearly marking the approaches to a building and channeling visitors into a defined area. A strategy for this is using curbing and landscaping to direct automobile and foot traffic into a controlled visible area.

3. Territorial Reinforcement - the purpose of this principle is to create a clear distinction between public and private property. For businesses and residences, this can be done through well placed markers, flowerbeds, low fences, walls, hedges, signage and regular maintenance. Make sure security signage is clearly visible at all entrances.

4. Maintenance - a well maintained area sends the message that people notice and care about what happens in an area. This, in turn, discourages vandalism and other crimes. The “broken window theory” is the idea that on broken window will entice vandals to break another. A vandalized area then becomes more inviting to higher levels of crime. A property should be well maintained as a matter of safety as well as pride.

OTHER STRATEGIES

Target hardening will make a building more difficult to forcibly enter. Using deadbolt locks is a method of target hardening. To be effective, locks should have hardened steel bolts extending at least one inch into the door jamb.

Target removal is the removal of property, monies and/or valuables that may be known to be there or may be visible through windows.

Consider door-bell access control lock systems if you are planning to keep your doors locked but remain open during business hours.

For more information please visit www.saultpolice.ca

Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers encourages members of the community to assist local law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime by overcoming the two key elements that inhibit community involvement: fear and apathy. Crime Stoppers provides an anonymous telephone line (705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477) and anonymous online reporting system (www.p3tips.com) to encourage citizens in the community to provide vital information on criminal activity. Crime Stoppers processes the reports and disseminates them to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Tipsters remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward if the information provided leads to an arrest or successful conclusion.

More information: http://www.saultcrimestoppers.com/sitemenu.aspx?ID=173&

“Safeguarding Your Small Business”

1. Lights,- install lights outside at doors, windows, and interiors. Don’t block windows with promotional materials,- if possible, find alternative ways to display these materials.

2. Keep the exterior of the building clean and maintained.

3. Make sure exterior doors are made of solid wood or steel. Glass doors should be tempered or reinforced with plastic equivalents such as protective window film products. All doors should have a strong one inch dead bolt and remains locked unless in use.

4. Safeguard your property by engraving your equipment with a personalized number such as your drivers license. Items that are easily identifiable are harder for criminals to sell.

5. Shoplifters,- be aware of diversional techniques when two or more shoppers enter your store. Notice people who have large bags or place their bag on the floor while shipping; items may be stashed in the bag.

6. Staff must keep attention and address customers when they enter the store.

7. Watch for people loitering and take note of physical descriptions of suspicious individuals.

8. A minimum of two employees should be working together at all times as well as limiting exterior duties after dark to ensure employee safety.

9. Keep some lighting on inside for surveillance opportunities during the evening.

10. Ensure all doors are properly secured and regularly check all exterior lighting is functioning.

11. Remove any material around the exterior of the property that may be used to gain entry into the premises such as bricks, metal poles, and construction materials.