Business security

As a business owner, manager or employee, there are some simple preventative measures you can take to protect your business from crime, increase sales and make your customers feel safe and secure.

Security tips for businesses

Following these tips will improve local business security:

• Keep nearby shrubs and trees pruned in order to increase visibility and decrease hiding spots on the property.
• Ensure doorways and parking lots are well lit.
• Keep window signs to a minimum; no more than 15 per cent of the window glass should be blocked by signs.
• Keep shelving units to a height of less than five feet.
• All entrances and exits should be monitored electronically and visually.
• Train employees to be alert for suspicious people.
• Check all doors and windows routinely at closing time.
• Check references for new employees prior to hiring them.
• Have a minimum of two staff on hand at opening and closing as these are the most common times for robberies.
• Work with neighbouring businesses to improve and promote safety and security in the area.

What to do if a security breach occurs

If a crime occurs at your business, it's important to do the following:

• Co-operate with the offender.
• Don’t make any sudden moves. Tell the offender what you are doing before you do it.
• Obtain a detailed description of the offender and any associated vehicles or accomplices.
• Call 9-1-1 as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Don’t touch anything until the police arrive.
• Lock the door after the offender leaves.