Businesses spend billions of dollars on crime prevention devices and insurance annually.  In order to fully optimize these investments, they have to utilize proper crime prevention techniques to help make the business less vulnerable to criminals.   

For more information on how to keep your business or workplace safe:

Owners, management and employees should incorporate these basic steps into your daily business practices  

Owners/Management:

1. Carefully screen all employees before hiring them.
2. Keep a minimum amount of money on hand.
3. Train employees on security measures and cash handling policies.
4. Provide employees with a place to adequately secure their belongings(such as purse, wallet, keys, coat and other valuables items) during work hours.
5. Insure all doors and windows are sturdy and have adequate locks.
6. Install adequate lighting inside and outside.  Remember burglars look for dark places or some form of cover.  A well illuminated property is less appealing.
7. Park Company vehicles away from the building at night where they do not block the view of entrances.

 
Employees:

1. Keep your purse, wallet, keys and other valuables items with you at all times or locked in a drawer or closet.
2. Check the identity of any strangers who are in your office.  Ask whom they are visiting and if you can help them find that person. If they make you uncomfortable, inform security or management about your suspicions.
3. Always let someone know if you are going to be working early or late.
4. Report any broken or flickering lights, dimly lit corridors, doors that do not lock properly or broken windows.  Don't wait for someone else to do it.
5. Be discreet.  Don't advertise your social life or vacation plans and those of your coworkers to people visiting or calling your place of work.

Resources:

• Neighborhood Development
• Code Enforcement Services
• Neighborhood Matching Grant
• Economic Development Office
• Security Grant Program

If you would like a police officer to conduct a Security Survey and make suggestions on how to apply Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design strategies to your business please contact your crimepreventionunit@cmpd.org.