Robbery and Burglary Prevention

Crime costs businesses billions of dollars each year. When small businesses are victims of crime, they often react by changing their hours of operation, raising their prices to cover their losses, relocating outside the community or simply closing. Fear of crime isolates businesses much like fear isolates individuals and this isolation increases vulnerability to crime.

Take a hard look at your business - its physical layout, employees, hiring process and overall security. Assess its vulnerability to all kinds of crime. Some basic prevention principles include:

Provide training for all employees, including cleaning staff, so they are familiar with security procedures and know your expectations.

Use good locks, safes and alarm systems. If you have questions, seek the help of law enforcement authorities.

Keep detailed, up-to-date records. Store back-up copies off the premises. If you are ever victimized, you can assess losses more easily and provide useful information for law enforcement authorities.

Establish and enforce clear policies about employee theft, employee substance abuse, crime reporting, opening and closing the business and other security procedures.

Mark equipment like registers, adding machines, calculators, computers and typewriters with identification numbers such as your California driver's license number.

Consider the cost of each security improvement you make against the potential savings through loss reduction.

For more detailed information, contact the Business Watch office at 661/267-5153.

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Robbery and Burglary Prevention