NCJ Number
54892
Date Published
Unknown
Length
11 pages
Annotation
METHODS FOR MAKING A BUSINESS SITE LESS SUSCEPTABLE TO BURGLARY AND/OR INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF APPREHENDING A BURGLAR ARE DISCUSSED IN A PUBLIC SERVICE BOOKLET ISSUED BY AN INSURANCE COMPANY.
Abstract
THE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE DIVIDED INTO FOUR CATEGORIES: MAKING A BUSINESS LESS INVITING TO CRIMINALS, PREVENTING UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY, MAKING IT MORE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE PREMISES, AND MAKING IT MORE LIKELY THAT A BURGLAR WILL BE APPREHENDED. CHECKING A BUSINESS FOR SECURITY WEAKNESSES SHOULD BEGIN WITH AN INSPECTION OF THE OUTSIDE OF THE PREMISES, WITH AN EYE TO SHADOWY HIDING PLACES THAT COULD OFFER CONCEALMENT OR EASE OF ENTRY, SUCH AS BOXES PILED NEAR THE BUILDING THAT MIGHT BE USED AS COVER OR A LADDER TO THE ROOF. GOOD LIGHTING IS PROBABLY THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND INEXPENSIVE DETERRENT TO BURGLARY. IF AN ALARM SYSTEM EXISTS, IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS; E.G., WINDOW STICKERS. ALL EXTERIOR POINTS OF ENTRY SHOULD BE ILLUMINATED. INSIDE LIGHTS SHOULD BE PLACED AROUND THE CASH REGISTER, SAFE, AND VALUABLE MERCHANDISE. SUCH MERCHANDISE SHOULD NOT BE IN THE DISPLAY WINDOWS OVERNIGHT. STOCK SHOULD BE ARRANGED SO AS TO MAKE A BURGLAR INSIDE EASILY VISIBLE TO SOMEONE WALKING BY. STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO SEE THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET INSIDE. DOORS SHOULD BE HEAVY, SOLID AND BACKED WITH METAL; HINGES SHOULD BE INSIDE. DEADBOLT LOCKS ARE BEST, THOUGH FIRELAWS CONCERNING UNLOCKED EXITS MUST BE OBSERVED WHEN CUSTOMERS ARE WITHIN. WINDOW SECURITY IS IMPORTANT, AS WELL AS SECURING OTHER OPENINGS SUCH AS LOADING DOCKS AND SKYLIGHTS. TO MAKE IT HARD TO FIND AND REMOVE CASH OR VALUABLE ITEMS, CASH REGISTERS SHOULD BE LEFT EMPTY AND OPEN. BLANK CHECKS SHOULD BE LOCKED IN A FIRMLY ANCHORED GOOD QUALITY SAFE. SHOULD BURGLARS BREAK IN, AN ALARM SYSTEM WILL HELP TO INSURE THAT THEY ARE APPREHENDED. THE TYPE DEPENDS ON THE LIKELIHOOD THAT A THIEF WOULD BE CAUGHT ANYWAY, THE DISTANCE FROM A POLICE STATION, AND THE COST. A SECURITY GUARD MAY BE HIRED, AND AN EMPLOYEE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROPERLY LOCKING UP AT NIGHT. A GOOD STOCK INVENTORY INCLUDING SERIAL NUMBERS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED. A VICTIMIZED BUSINESS'S OWNER OR MANAGER SHOULD COOPERATE WITH THE POLICE, AND IF A SUSPECT IS CAUGHT, SHOULD PROSECUTE. A BLOCK WATCH PROJECT AMONG THE COMMUNITY'S BUSINESSES CAN ALSO BE INSTITUTED. ADDITIONAL PREVENTIVE MEASURES MAY INCLUDE SETTING MINIMUM SECURITY STANDARDS FOR EXISTING BUSINESSES AND FOR BUILDING PERMITS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION. POLICE SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN THESE COMMUNITY CRIME PREVENTION MEASURES. FINALLY, A BUSINESS SHOULD BE INSURED ADEQUATELY. A SECURITY CHECK LIST IS PROVIDED. DRAWINGS ILLUSTRATE THE TEXT. (TWK)