Each year, thousands of dollars in losses are experienced by area businesses due to burglary and the damage it causes. Steps can be taken, however, by retailers, offices, warehouse and commercial tenants to reduce the chances of being targeted by a burglar, as well as limit loss should a break-in occur.

Danburg Properties of Boca Raton offers these tips from the Boca Raton Police Department to help prevent or reduce the chances of crime and theft in the workplace. Use this guide to assist with increasing your business security. Please contact the Crime Prevention unit at 561-347-3938 if you have any questions or to request a complimentary business security assessment.

Money Handling and Opening/Closing Procedures

– Safe keys should be kept secured and out of view.

-Utilize drop-safes in locked, secure area out of view and bolted to floor.

– Minimize cash on-hand through frequent banking at random times.

– Cash trays should be prepared at opening, not closing; do not leave cash in register overnight. The empty till should be in clear view.

– Two employees open and close.

– If only one person is present after hours, business should be locked.

– Train employees to always keep rear doors locked, even during trash haulout. Two employees for haul-out is advised (one to haul and one to lookout).

– Check premise at closing to ensure no one is hiding inside.

Lighting

– Parking lot and perimeter of building should be well-lit from dusk to dawn, with special attention paid to entrances and exits.

– Metal halide offers the brightest, truest light for large areas, while energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) are suitable by doors.

– High/low pressure sodium is not advisable due to dimmer lighting abilities and poor color rendering.

Doors and Windows

– Signage in windows should be limited to keep an open view into and out of the business.

– All exterior doors should have commercial-grade double deadbolt locks and latch guards, to prevent deadbolt prying.

– Roller shutters offer an extra layer of protection against entry.

Landscaping

– Trim tree canopies above six feet high and keep hedges and shrubs below three feet tall, so the view into and out of the business is open and visible.

– Thorny vegetation, such as crown of thorns and bougainvillea, can be planted in areas where you wish to limit access and protect windows.

Access Control

– Drop-ceilings are frequently a point of unauthorized entry. Check roof access to your business and secure.

– Store high-value items and inventory in separate, locked containers.

– Secure display computers, TVs, and electronics with locking brackets.

– Remove tools, scrap, or anything that can smash glass or pry doors.

– Require employees to wear identification.

Alarms and Cameras

– While an alarm may not prevent a burglary, it minimizes loss by limiting the time to steal items.

– An alarm should be used all of the time and never disabled. If frequent false alarms are occurring, have the alarm checked and investigate further if it is functioning properly (possible intentional false alarms by employees or burglars).

– Use magnetic contacts, glass break sensors, and motion detectors.

– Installing battery and cellular backup prevents outages if power fails or phone lines are cut.

– Noticeable stickers/decals should be on all doors and windows.

– Convex mirrors in upper concerns show a view of aisles with high shelving.

– Install visible and hidden cameras to maximize effectiveness. Visible cameras deter criminal activity while hidden cameras increase the possibility of capturing a quality image of the offender(s). Cameras placed both high and low (waist to shoulder) also maximize the chancesof capturing offender images.

– Conduct training to ensure alarms and cameras are used properly.

– Ensure that camera images can be downloaded for police.

– Camera systems should be digital and record continuously for at least 60 days before being over-written.

– Never use dummy cameras, as they create an illusion of security. This can result in liability if an incident occurs.

If your business is burglarized

– Replace broken glass with break-resistant glass such as thicker, high impact or laminated and glazed glass.

– Report the break-in to your landlord or franchise or corporate owner, if applicable.

Request a security assessment from Boca Raton Police Department: 561-347-3938. Together, we can assess your current security, including cash left on premises, alarm usage, and lighting and other safety elements mentioned here.