Spring and summer may mean there are more people on the street and more customers for businesses. But it also means there are more criminals looking for opportunities. Here are measures to help deter these lawbreakers.
Spring Cleaning
Remove that clutter and take a good look at your security and safety issues. Stay Alert
Witnesses can be a valuable deterrent to a burglary.
Additional crime prevention tips and information for the business community can be found in the Baltimore County Police Department's Business Beat Newsletter that is posted online each month.
The first thing owners and managers should do is take a look around the store or office. Are there boxes piling up against windows and exits? If so, start rearranging your inventory or stock. Windows need to be clear if only for the sake of a little daylight. On the side of safety, boxes and other materials such as posters and advertisements need to be below windows. Remember, if an employee can't see out, customers and police can't see in. You'll probably need to have those windows cleaned too. Winter's cold winds, snow and ice have a tendency to keep employees inside and put off washing the windows on the outside. This little bit of advice could safeguard your business against a robbery. Move boxes to a safe area, out of the way of employees and customers. No need to start off the season with injuries and lawsuits.
This time of year it's probably a good idea to go over some of the safety issues with employees. Remind them to be alert to shoplifters and vendors who may have light fingers with your stock. Slow days and nights in the stores have a tendency to make all a bit lax with security. As a manager or owner, are you still keeping at least two people on duty even though business may be slow? If you have cut back in personnel to save money, it is an idea that could cost you more in the long run. Robbers take advantage of stores that have but one person at the register. It's easy to walk in with a weapon, threaten the cashier, and get away with the contents of the register or safe.
Have you upgraded your camera to digital? If not, now's the time. Digital cameras provide a much clearer image.
Check the outside for problems that may have been put on the backburner during the cold winter months. Close all trash bins. There are some people who love the look, smell, and excitement of a fire. Also make sure that it is not located next to the building. That trash bin or Dumpster could be used as a ladder to enter your store or office through your roof. Which brings us to making sure that all locks, grates and doors are in working order. Are the grates on your windows still in working order? Is everyone involved in the security of the workplace? If not, why not have a mini-test. You might have hired some new people since you last checked everything out. Go over security basics with them now before things get busy.
For more information on security in the workplace call the Baltimore County Police Department's Community Resources Team at 410-887-5901.
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The Baltimore County Police Department says there are specialty locks that will frustrate many burglars.
Police say a burglar placed under arrest told them that there are two types of locks that he and other thieves avoid.
The locks are described as hidden shackle locks. These locks are often used on tractor trailer doors, but some homeowners and businesses are using them on storage sheds and other structures easily accessed from the outside.
These locks can be purchased at home improvement and hardware stores. The locks are effective because, as the thief told police, there is no real practical way to cut the lock with bolt cutters. Furthermore, prying them out of the door is time consuming and noisy. The core of the lock is set into the lock. The investment is minimal, about $40, but the piece of mind is invaluable.
The other locks the thief referred to are used to secure ATVs and dirt bikes. The locks are simple, yet effective. One lock is a disc brake lock and attaches to a wheel on the bike or ATV. For those who want to spend a little more on security, there is a more sophisticated lock that has a built-in motion detector alarm. The locks can be purchased at motorcycle shops, online, and at some home improvement stores. Some stores will special order a lock if necessary. The locks range in price from $40 upward to about $90.
The last piece of security mentioned by the thief was lighting. He said a simple light shining in a shed or other structure keeps people like himself away. Burglars like to work in the dark.
No one can prevent crime, but these specialized locks along with good lighting will deter would-be thieves.
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Many businesses start looking for summer help now and are so concerned about filling a position with a qualified person, they forget to take some precautionary steps in the hiring process.
The easiest way to relieve some of the stress of hiring a new employee is to stick to a few basic steps.
Never hire anyone on the spot.
Conduct a thorough interview.
Tell the prospective applicant what your company is all about and what is expected of all employees.
Inform the person of the strict zero-tolerance drug rules. As a potential employer, have the person take a drug test. If the applicant has trouble with that part of the hiring process, conclude the interview. The person in question may object to the testing on principal, but it may be the reluctant applicant has a problem with substance abuse.
Always follow through and check the references listed on the resume. References are helpful when judging a potential candidate. Don't look for just the negative ones, but also the positive ones. One bad decision doesn't mean the applicant is wrong for the job.
Does the potential employee have a record of jumping from job to job? Unless the person has had some physical problems, missing work is usually a red flag for problems on and off the job.
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The Baltimore County Police Department often advises area retailers on ways to avoid being burglarized. Detectives from the Burglary Unit and Business Patrol Initiative officers suggest using better lighting, locks and other devices to keep out thieves. However, there is one deterrent to burglary that often goes unnoticed - the unsuspecting witness - the casual passerby.
Who are these witnesses? They are the drivers or pedestrians who are out late at night and see something that is out of the ordinary. You might be the one who notices a car or truck parked in the back of the store or office that does not belong there late at night when the store is closed. It might be a light on when it should be dark inside. Your quick action might mean the end to a series of burglaries that are occurring in your area.
Police ask that anyone who notices anything out of the ordinary to call 911. Your call and concern might help a local retailer stay in business. For more information on how you can help contact your local precinct or Business Patrol Initiative officer.
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Revised April 24, 2009
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