Smash and Grab Commercial Break and Enters- Crime Prevention Tips for Businesses

The Brantford Police Service reminds owners to be vigilant when it comes to the protection of their property. Crimes against businesses are usually ones of opportunity.

The Brantford Police Service encourage small business owners to survey their property and review the below security checklist to identify any areas where your business may be vulnerable.

Business security checklist & tips to take into consideration;

If you have a cash register, is the drawer open and empty? Leave cash drawers open to show no money has been left over night.

Do you keep cash on premise? Thieves during a smash and grab will run in and run out; do not make it easy and have cash in plain view and/or in an easily accessible drawer or cupboard.

Do you have a video monitoring system? If so ensure the recording is on every night and it is functioning and is locked away in a secure location.

Check interior and exterior lights ensuring they are all in working order.

Survey your business at both daylight and night time hours including all sides of your

building that it is well lit.

Is there an option to leave interior lights on when the business is closed? A thief will not be able to hide in the shadows which may allow passing motorists to notice someone inside of your business.

Are there exterior sensor lights that activate when someone is near?

Are all locks in good working order? Good locks will deter break and enters.

Is the glass door designed with non-breakable” glass?

Do you have a business inventory list in a safe place?

Do you keep a list of the serial numbers of your electronic equipment? Etching a mark or initial in your property is easy for one to identify.

Have you walked around your business with video recording in order to capture all your assets and property?

Do you have a safe? Hide your safe and make regular bank deposits to minimize the cash-on-hand.

So you have an alarm system? An alarm system is a great deterrent and constant protection. If so ensure all employees know how to operate and activate the alarm ensuring it is operational.

*Advertise that your business is alarmed

Three overnight ‘smash and grab’ break and enters;

Type: Break and Enter (Commercial)

Incident: 2369-16

Location: Fairview Drive (400 block) – Sweet Bakery

Details: Sometime between January 20 at 10:00 p.m. and January 21

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