Each October, National Crime Prevention Month serves as a time to encourage communities and businesses to work together to take proactive measures to promote safety and help prevent crime. By staying educated on crime prevention and collaborating with others, we can create stronger, more resilient communities and significantly reduce the risk of crime.
Practice Crime Prevention in Your Community
While authorities and leaders work to prevent crime at an organizational level, there are certain things community members can do to contribute to a safer neighborhood.
- Host a community safety fair.
- Form a neighborhood watch program.
- Organize a self-defense workshop.
- Get involved with youth mentoring programs.
- Organize a community clean-up day.
Secure Your Business and Assets
For businesses, crime prevention goes beyond fostering a positive community image. Here are strategies for minimizing theft, vandalism and other security risks:
Physical Security
- Burglary: Install sturdy deadbolt locks, secure windows and maintain good lighting around your property, especially entrances and exits.
- Robbery: Invest in a security camera system to monitor your business and deter potential robbers. Keep a minimal amount of cash on hand, make frequent bank deposits and avoid predictable schedules.
- Shoplifting: Train employees to identify suspicious behavior and organize your store layout to minimize blind spots. Secure valuable merchandise in locked displays and control access to fitting rooms.
- Vandalism: Maintain good lighting and utilize security measures like alarms and security cameras. Consider landscaping choices that do not create hiding places for potential vandals.
Financial Controls
- Employee Theft: Implement a clear employee responsibility policy that outlines expected behavior and consequences for violations. Conduct thorough background checks and maintain organized financial records with multi-person verification procedures. Limit access to sensitive information and security measures.
- Check and Credit Card Fraud: Train employees to identify fraudulent checks and suspicious credit card transactions. Partner with a reputable payment processor and consider additional security measures and verification protocols for high-value transactions.
Reach Out to an Advisor
SISCO’s risk management professionals can provide tailored security assessments, develop comprehensive crime prevention plans and assist with compliance with security regulations. Contact us to learn more.