Developing an Effective Crime Prevention Plan for Your Business

Crime prevention plans are as essential as business plans. October is National Crime Prevention Month – an excellent time to assess your business’s security needs. Here are some actions to consider when developing your crime prevention plan.

Conduct a risk assessment

Identify potential hazards, evaluate the risk levels, and determine preventive measures.

Assess premises security

Make sure all outside entrances and inside security doors have deadbolt locks. Consider replacing traditional exterior locks with magnetic card swipes or keypad entries. Windows should have secure locks and burglar-resistant glass. Consider adding metal grills to windows if your business is in a high-crime area. Install an alarm system, security lights, and closed-circuit TV cameras (if you don't already have them) and post warning signs to deter potential thieves.

Protect your employees

Conduct personal safety training, teaching your employees techniques to protect themselves and avoid injury in the event of a serious threat. It demonstrates that you value your employees and their safety.

Secure your equipment

Tag computers, record serial numbers, and conduct regular property and equipment audits. Keep high-valued equipment locked up overnight or securely fastened to an anchored object such as a wall or floor.

Initiate inventory and financial safeguards

Keep accurate records on cash flow, inventory, and supplies.

Prevent employee theft

Conduct thorough background checks on all new employees. Limit access to premises keys and security codes to essential employees. Question unusually high amounts of transactions involving voids, credits, or damage claims. Avoid one employee having complete oversight of funds.

Prevent information theft

Install controls for computer access to sensitive information. Change passwords regularly and check that your computers have firewalls and up-to-date anti-virus software.

Store and shred sensitive documents

Use securely locked filing cabinets to store personal/confidential information. Dispose of sensitive documents such as bills, receipts, and bank statements using a crosscut shredder or a shredding service.

Limit your financial exposure

Keep small amounts of cash in the register to reduce losses. Use a drop safe for large bills and excess cash. Make bank deposits of large amounts of money during business hours.

Reduce shoplifting risk

Consult with local police on training employees on what actions may signal shoplifting. Use mirrors to eliminate "blind spots" in retail stores. Keep merchandise away from store exits to prevent grab-and-run opportunities and expensive items in locked cases.

Resources:

Crime Prevention: A Guide to Business Security - Economic Development Collaborative (edcollaborative.com)
Partnering With Businesses to Address Public Safety Problems | ASU Center for Problem-Oriented Policing | ASU
4 Ways to Boost Crime Prevention at Your Service Business (entrepreneur.com)

The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only, should not be construed as professional advice and is not intended to replace official sources. Other resources linked from these pages are maintained by independent providers; therefore, NJM cannot guarantee their accuracy.