Landscaping and architectural designs can incorporate simple and inexpensive CPTED guidelines to improve security for your business. Shrubs and trees should not create blind spots or hiding spots on your property. Walkways and landscaping should direct visitors to the proper entrance and away from private areas. Exterior doors should be visible from the street or from neighbouring businesses. Sidewalks, parking lots, doorways and all areas of the property should be well lit.
Natural Access Control
Cash registers should be located at the front of the store near the main entrance (visible from outside).
Public paths should be clearly marked.
Signs should direct patrons to parking and entrances.
There should be no easy access to the roof.
Rear access to shops should be provided from rear parking lots.
Light Up at Night
Light up all entrances, including alleys, with vandal-proof fixtures.
Leave some lights on inside your premises.
Natural Surveillance
Clear visibility should be maintained from the store to the street, sidewalk, parking areas, loading areas and passing vehicles.
Window signs should cover no more than 15 percent of windows.
Interior shelving and displays should be no higher than five feet for visibility.
The exterior of buildings and all parking areas should be well lit.
Keep all weeds, shrubbery and debris away from windows and doors. Don't provide concealment or climbing platforms for a burglar.
Lock up ladders and all tools that could invite a break-in or make a burglar's job easier.
Restroom doors should be visible from main pedestrian areas and away from outside exits.
Locate automatic teller-machines or drive through windows at the front of banks or businesses, facing main roads to increase visibility.
All entrances should be under visual surveillance or monitored electronically.
Management Tips
Business hours should coincide with those of neighbouring businesses.
Pay phones should be call-out only and placed in a visible location.
Nighttime employees should have access to safe, visible parking that is close to the entrance.
Adopt a cash limit (for example, $50.00). Train employees to check regularly for cash over the limit and place it in a "drop safe" that the clerk cannot open. Post a sign: "Maximum Cash in Register $50.00."
If it's not possible to have a safe, don't place large bills under the cash register - find a safe alternate hiding place.
Train employees to be alert for suspicious persons.
Parked cars and telephone booths are common outdoor observation spots for watching a business.
Watch for customers who seem to be loitering or glancing around the store while shopping or browsing a magazine, or who seem nervous or rushed.
Check all doors and windows routinely at closing time.
Check references. A number of armed robberies involve former employees, so be certain to screen applicants carefully. You may wish to take a snapshot of each new employee to post as an introductory welcome and later keep in the personnel file.
Try to have two staff on hand at opening and closing times; this is an attractive time for robbers.
Storage rooms: install locks that can be opened from the inside and keep an extra key inside; robbers sometimes lock employees in storage rooms. If you have an alarm system, consider installing a button in the back room.
Keep side or back doors locked at all times and have employees use the main entrance.
All employees should be instructed to challenge any strangers, even people who work in the building but do not belong on a certain floor.
Work with other businesses in the area to promote shopper and business safety and address specific security issues.
Conduct periodic security reviews with a qualified security expert or locksmith.
Lock Up
Install deadbolt locks on all outside doors (excluding fire exits).
All fire exit doors should have full-length blocker plates and security hinges and should open to the outside. Ensure that any security devices for locking the panic hardware on exit doors (when the building is not occupied) meet the requirements of Alberta's fire and building codes.
Make sure padlocks are solidly mounted and never left open ... even on an open door. Unlocked padlocks can be removed and replaced by a would-be burglar, enabling easy access at a later time.
Secure all equipment and computers with security locks. Record equipment serial numbers.
Check door and window frames for looseness or rotting. Repair them immediately.
Practise good key security. Sign out all keys and collect them when employees leave your company.
Never label keys indicating what they're for - use a code.
Use non-removable hinge pins on all outward swinging doors.
Reinforce rear and side doors with crossbars, and install grating or bars on rear and side windows.
Don't neglect roof openings, air ducts, skylights,
hatchways, doorway transoms, and sidewalk and basement openings.
Don't lock a burglar inside when you leave.
Inspect all closets, bathrooms and other hiding places.
Glass
Any area where glass is located is vulnerable. If there are windows or glass doors at ground level, a vehicle could be backed through. To avoid this, consider steel bars, roll-shutters, concrete abutments on the pavement or concrete-filled steel posts in front of the windows.
Be Safe
Keep cash to a minimum with frequent, irregular bank deposits.
Install a burglar-resistant safe, anchored to the floor in a well-lit, highly visible location.
Leave empty cash drawers open after hours to prevent damage.
Keep an accurate inventory of all valuables.
In Offices
Insist all delivery drivers check with the receptionist before entering.
Ask all repair workers for I.D.
Place the reception desk in a position to ensure anyone entering must go through him or her.
Keep washrooms locked at all times and leave a key with the receptionist.
Deposit incoming cheques and cash each day to avoid keeping large sums overnight.
Consider adopting a code for the receptionist to use to summon help if a hostile situation arises.
Office furniture should be organized to ensure you won't be trapped behind your desk with a difficult client blocking the door. Ensure you are seated closer to the door than the client.
Keep purses and wallets in locked drawers.
Use the buddy system when travelling around the building or to the parkade.
Have a periodic security review by a qualified security expert or locksmith.
Other Security Options
Install an alarm system. Deal with a reputable alarm company and obtain estimates from several companies.
Post a conspicuous notice that shows you have an alarm system.
Install video cameras and post signs advising "Area Under Video Surveillance."
Install roll-shutters for windows and doors.
Install glass that is burglar-resistant or use security film. (Caution - some glassbreak sensor alarms will not be activated if a window with security film is broken.)
Place height markers at the main entrance so employees can use them to gauge the height of a robber as he leaves your business. To make height markings, place strips of differently colored tape at the 5', 5'6" and 6' heights.
