Are you a business owner or manager? Protect your commercial property by considering some of the following crime prevention tips.
- Be sure to conduct regular check on a business that is closed for an extended period of time. It will help you notice if something has been disturbed.
- Remove all valuables from storefront displays to help reduce smash-and-grab thefts.
- Remove all valuables such as cash from the till and leave it open. Place cash tray in plain view on the counter to signal there’s no money in the till.
- Remove signage from front windows so police can see the inside unobstructed during patrols.
- Consider installing an alarm monitoring system. If you already have one, ensure the contact list is up-to-date.
- Clearly post signage on the door/window to indicate that the premises are monitored by an alarm company, that no money is kept on the premises, and contact information for police and the business owner in case a member of the public sees damage to the property or suspicious activity.
- If the premises are closed for an extended period of time, clean all glass surfaces and create a tracking log of when cleaning was completed. This may help investigators with suspect fingerprints in the event of a break-in.
- Consider installing a high quality surveillance camera system that can be monitored online by owner/management.
- Install crash-resistant bollards to protect entrances and large glass windows.
- Consider using a laminate on all windows and glass doors to prevent the glass from being broken from blunt force. Although damage to glass will occur in a break-in attempt, it will greatly discourage or prevent entry.
- Install solid-core doors on all exterior doors with deadbolt locks and peep holes if there is no window.
- Install latch guards on doors to protect against prying including on secondary doors such as employee and loading entrances.
- Enclose and lock any points of access to your roof.
- Keep some lighting on inside for surveillance opportunities during the evening.
- Ensure all doors are properly secured and regularly check all exterior lighting is functioning.
- Remove material around the exterior of the property that may be used to gain entry.
- Install fencing around the perimeter of your property with secure lockable gates. Making access to back of buildings and hidden areas with tall, secure fencing will deter many criminals.
*Source: Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP)
