Crime Prevention in Cabbagetown
See below for free tips and resources available to businesses to prevent them from being the target of crime, including break & enters.
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Police recommend the following guidelines:
Your Cash
Keep as little cash around as possible.
Make bank deposits frequently but irregularly so as not to establish a discernible pattern.
Securely anchor your safe in a highly visible, well-lit location.
Empty your cash drawers and leave them open after hours. (consider leaving the empty cash drawer near the front door, advertising that there is no money on hand).
Keep the premises visible from the street; avoid blocking the interior view with high window displays and/or advertisements on windows.
Make sure trees and shrubs around entranceways are trimmed.
Don’t leave ladders or tools lying around that a burglar could use to help them break in.
Doors and Windows
Use deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Those with glass should have double cylinder deadbolts.
Make sure you check all doors and windows each day, before closing.
Develop a system of key security. Make sure all keys issued are signed for and turned in when an employee leaves the company. You may even want to change locks and combinations.
Do not label or identify keys with what they are used for. If necessary, use a coding system.
If you have doors with outside hinges, use non-removable hinge pins. Install panel doors lined with metal to resist drilling.
Doors and windows on the sides and rear of a building are often inviting to the burglar because they offer concealment.
Steel reinforcing bars on doors and gratings or bars on windows offer good security. Check with Toronto Fire & bylaw regarding bylaws or codes that may restrict this practice
Every exterior opening offers a potential point of entry. Do not overlook security at places like fire escapes, skylights, roof openings, air ducts, doorway transoms, loading docks, sidewalk and basement openings.
Before you leave, check all potential hiding places, like bathrooms, closets and storage areas. The last thing you want to do is to lock a burglar inside.
Alarm System
Install a good alarm system and have it checked regularly.
Make sure it is wired to go off at all potential points of entry, including doors, windows, roof openings, loading docks and vents.
Surveillance CCTV System
Protect your business with a quality CCTV system.
Ensure that the storage drive is recording and accessible to police when required.
Post signs advising that the area is under video surveillance.
Place height markers at the main entrance so employees can use them to gauge the height of a robber as he/she leaves the business on video.
Install CCTV cameras that offer nighttime surveillance.
Install motion-sensor lights around the exterior of the building.
REMINDER!
Attend your business periodically to assess if everything is in order.
Post a notice on the front door stating “No Cash or Goods on Hand.”
Remove valuable items from the front of the store such as electronics, alcohol, iPads, expensive hair care products, & point of sale electronics.
