Business Tips

Be crime conscious – be aware of crime opportunities at all times!

 

 Opening the business:  Have two employees together meet and unlock the business.  One should stay outside, while the other checks the interior. After clearing, both may enter.

Closing the Business:  Employees should accompany each other to their vehicles– especially at night.  If this is not possible, perhaps a security
 guard for the shopping center can escort the last employee to his/her car.

Bank Deposits:  Making bank deposits alone can be dangerous.  Employees making deposits should always go in pairs. If you are alone, vary deposit times and carry the deposit inside a purse or a plain bag.  Do not use a bank bag or a bag with a name on it.  Never make deposits after closing, as this is an obvious for hold-ups.

    Taking out the trash:  Doing this in pairs is much safer, both for the employees and the business.

    Panic buttons:  Install panic buttons at the front counter. Make sure there are phones near both front and rear entrances.

    Controlling Access:  This enhances personal security.  Keep secondary exits locked.  Limit access to secondary exits by non-employees by having doors alarmed and labeled “EMERGENCY EXIT ONLY” or limit access to the area around the door.

    Keep Restrooms Locked:  Be in control of access to restrooms, storage areas, etc.  This prevents assailants from hiding in waiting and “breakouts.”

    ID Badges for Access Control: They are only as good as the enforcement of the policy.

    Visibility:  This increases safety.  Keep parking and walking areas well lit, and keep the area around the building clear of debris.  Stacks of boxes and pallets can be hiding places for assailants. Install mirrors or Closed Circuit TV in rooms with blind corners and in enclosed parking facilities.

    Help Keep Employees Safe

    • Keep buildings locked whenever public access is not necessary.
    • Watch for suspicious persons (persons not having legitimate business.)
    • Look into your car before entering it.
    • If you think you are being followed, find other people.
    • Use the “buddy” system.
    • Take access control policies seriously.
    • If Confrontation Does Occur, These are the Safety Procedures to be Kept in Mind:
      • Don’t be a hero.  Do nothing to risk your personal safety.
      • Consider all guns, or threat of guns, as loaded weapons.
      • Activate alarms only if you can do so without detection.
      • Attempt to alert co-workers only if you can do so safely.
      • Follow directions exactly, without volunteering.
      • Without seeming obvious, study attacker’s distinguishing features.