We often get asked what people can do to better protect their business from theft or burglary. Although there is no 100% guarantee on protection, there are some things you can do to lower your chances of becoming a victim. Deterrence is a big key when it comes to crime prevention.
- Install security cameras and an alarm system. These items can be a deterrent, but if the robber, burglar, or vandal decides to commit the crime anyways, you will have footage captured that could assist in identifying them.
- Add lighting in and around your business premises. Lighting can play as a big deterrent when it comes to crime, but it also adds a safety measure for you or your employees when leaving or arriving when it’s dark out.
- It’s not always possible, but worth trying to have at least two employees working at a time. It’s like we all learned growing up, power in numbers.
- A lot of times you can tell a thief when they walk into your store. They don’t want to make eye contact and don’t want to be talked to. Do your best to encourage your employees to greet everyone that comes in, it can deter thefts and make legitimate customers feel better about their choice to enter your business.
- When you close for the night, make sure to leave the cash register drawers empty. Some people even prefer to leave the empty drawer on the counter for the would-be thief to see it’s empty. Burglars and thieves don’t care if it’s just a little bit of money, they will break through an expensive glass door or front window for just a couple of bucks, leaving you to cover the cost of the glass and replace the money stolen.
- If you have shrubs or trees on your property, keep them trimmed. In the crime prevention world, we go by the 3x7 rule. It’s recommended to keep your bushes and shrubs trimmed below 3 feet tall. If you have mature trees, it’s best to keep them trimmed so that the lowest branch is 7 feet above the ground. By doing this, you will prevent anyone from being able to hide behind your trees or shrubs and they will be more easily seen by others passing by on the streets.
If you notice someone suspicious in or around your property or anyone else’s, call the police. If you are the victim of a crime, make a report. These are just a few things you can do to better protect your business. If you have any questions about how to better secure your property, reach out to the Amarillo Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at 806-378-4257.
