Business Crime Prevention

Limiting and monitoring who enters your business is essential for preventing both external threats and internal theft. All doors and windows should be secured with high-quality locks, including deadbolts where appropriate. Consider installing electronic access control systems to better monitor employee entry and exit. Secondary access points, such as loading docks and employee entrances, should be just as secure. In high-risk areas, security bars or window grates may be appropriate, particularly at ground level. Be sure to rekey locks regularly, especially when keys are lost or employees leave the business.

Modern security camera systems not only deter criminal activity but also provide valuable evidence when incidents occur. Position cameras at all entrances and exits to capture clear images of individuals entering and exiting the premises. Be sure to monitor cash registers, safes, storage areas, and other locations where high-value items are kept. Cameras should also be placed to eliminate blind spots and monitor areas not visible from employee workstations. High-definition cameras with night vision are recommended, along with clearly posted signage indicating video surveillance is in use. Routine maintenance and testing ensure the system remains operational, and video footage should be stored securely and accessed easily when needed.

A professionally installed and maintained alarm system offers around-the-clock protection for your business. Burglar alarms should be placed on all entry points, including doors and windows. Additional features like motion detectors and glass break sensors provide enhanced coverage. Make sure your alarm system is connected to a monitoring service or directly to the department’s dispatch center, and regularly test the system to ensure it is functioning properly. Keep emergency contact information up to date, and display alarm system warning decals prominently on doors and windows to deter intruders.

Because cash is a primary target for criminals, secure cash handling procedures are a vital part of your business’s security strategy. During business hours, limit the amount of cash kept in registers and make frequent deposits using varied times and routes. A drop safe can help reduce risk by securing excess cash that employees cannot access. Always count money out of public view, and deposit cash daily while avoiding predictable patterns. At the end of the day, it’s best to have two employees present for cash handling and closing duties. Vary your closing routines to reduce predictability, and leave cash registers open and empty overnight to signal there’s no money on site. Ensure the area is well-lit when employees leave, especially during darker months, and whenever possible, have staff exit the building in groups rather than alone.