Business Property Safety 

Southwest Businesses Continue to be Hit With Smash and Grabs

Break-ins overnight where windows and doors are smashed and a quick entry to grab whatever may have value continues to be a problem throughout the Southwest business community. Because of the fast nature of these attacks, police are not able to arrive before the suspects have left the scene. We urge all businesses to review your security measures and consider the following:

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SECURITY ADVICE AND REMINDERS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS & MANAGERS

• Review your security plans.
• Remove all cash from the business leaving cash drawers open and empty.
• Post a sign notifying all that there is no cash on site.
• Add security window film to your windows and glass doors to prevent glass from breaking/shattering should a suspect throw rock/brick to get in. Uline and local hardware stores should carry this. It is a relatively inexpensive security improvement that would be very effective against current events.
• If you're replacing any glass windows or doors, consider a heavier glass that is less likely to smash through easily.
• Consider installing bars or roll-cages to the inside of your windows and doors.
• Remove or secure items of opportunistic theft, especially items that can be seen and then grabbed by smashing an exterior window.
• Remove/Lock up the most commonly stolen items: computers, cash registers, drugs, cash, phones, ipads, liquor, jewelry, cigarettes, and other small valuable or easy to sell items.
• Ensure your security system is operational and accessible. Arm it every time someone is not present.
• Check to make sure security cameras are working and aimed at the right locations to capture suspicious activity and suspects’ faces.

REMINDERS FOR BEING OPEN LIMITED TO DELIVERY, TAKEOUT AND PICKUP ORDERS

• Review your security and staffing plans to ensure a sufficient number of employees are on site.
• Review plans for limiting opportunities for crime and insure staff know your procedures for robbery and theft incidents.
• Review your policies for cash on hand.
• Control access to the establishment for customers coming in for pickups; maintain safe spacing of at least 6-feet between people.
• Lock all doors that are not being used for the operation of your limited business.
• Secure access to non-public areas, bathrooms and storage rooms.
• Train staff to be observant and report suspicious people within or around your business
• Check to make sure security cameras are working and aimed at the right locations to capture suspicious activity and suspects’ faces.
• If you are using delivery drivers, review safety plans with drivers. Remind them to be vigilant if approached by a stranger on the street.They should never leave the keys in their car and never leave the car running while making the delivery.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. CALL 911 IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OR WITNESS TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITY