Small Business Safety
At the City of Lone Tree, our businesses are critical to the vitality of our community. The well-being of your business, employees and customers is a priority, and the Lone Tree Police Department is committed to assisting businesses in maintaining a safe and secure environment. In addition, it’s encouraged for businesses to watch out for each other by sharing information and alerting of crime patterns and suspicious activities to create a stronger network of vigilance.
In the spirit of prevention, the following are some tips to safeguard your business.
Burglary Prevention
- Make sure all outside entrances and inside security doors have deadbolt locks.
- Windows should have secure locks and burglar– resistant glass. Remove all expensive items from window displays at night and make sure you can see easily into your business after closing.
- Light the inside and outside of your business, especially around doors, windows, skylights, or other entry points.
- Invest in an alarm and camera system and ensure your system is working properly. Check the system daily and run a test when closing.
Robbery Prevention
- Greet every person who enters the business in a friendly manner. Personal contact can discourage a would-be criminal.
- Keep windows clear of displays or signs and make sure your business is well-lighted. Check the layout of your store, eliminating any blind spots that may hide a robbery in progress.
- Keep small amounts of cash in the register to reduce losses.
Shoplifting Prevention
- Make bank deposits often and during business hours. Don’t establish a pattern, take different routes at different times during the day.
- Train employees in how to reduce opportunities for shoplifting and how to apprehend shoplifters. Work with law enforcement to teach employees what actions may signal shoplifting.
- If you or your employees are confronted by a robber, cooperate. Merchandise and cash can always be replaced — people can’t!
- Keep the store neat and orderly. Use mirrors to eliminate “blind spots” in corners that might hide shoplifters. Merchandise should be kept away from store exits to prevent grab-and-run situations.
Credit Card Fraud
- Design the exits of the business so all persons must pass by security personnel or store employees. You may want to use an electronic article surveillance system or other inventory control device.
- If you are suspicious of the purchaser, make a note of appearance, companions, any vehicle used, and identification presented. Call the police department.
- Look for “ghost” numbers or letters. Criminals will change the numbers and/or name on a stolen card. To do this they either melt the original name and numbers off or file them off. Both processes can leave faint imprints of the original characters.
- Dressing rooms and restrooms should be always watched. Keep dressing rooms locked and limit the number of items taken in.
- Examine the signature strip on the credit card. A criminal may cover the real card owner’s signature with “White-Out” and sign it on the new strip.
For more information on business safety or to sign up for a CPTED business assessment, please contact LTPD Community Partnership Unit