Create a “Business Watch” program

Business watch programs work in business districts much like a neighborhood watch works in neighborhoods. A business watch forms links between local businesses, as well as with the Police Department. Businesses in an area act as eyes and ears for both Police and for other businesses, reducing the opportunity for criminals to strike. By working together and conveying information about suspects, criminals loose the opportunity to shoplift, burglarize, rob, or otherwise victimize your business and your customers.

Consider creating a phone tree or fax network with other businesses in Mount Ephraim. Share information about shoplifters you have caught or suspect of stealing from you, lists of people who have repeatedly passed bad checks, merchandise or property that has been stolen from you (in case someone tries to pawn or return it somewhere else), and any other information you feel can prevent a similar crime elsewhere, or help you catch your suspect. The crook who steals the change from your vending machine will most likely lighten his load as quickly as possible. Letting local stores and banks know to be on the look out for someone with a large amount of change will probably lead you to your suspect quickly.

Work with the Schools

Working to educate local students on the availability of careers and jobs in Mount Ephraim will help to reduce the amount of crime that occurs in a number of ways. By teaching high school, and even some middle school students job skills students are more likely to make the transition from school to work smoothly and with the skills needed to maintain a stable economy in the Borough. High rates of employment and a stable economy makes Mount Ephraim less vulnerable to many types of crime, including burglary, robbery, vandalism, drug and alcohol abuse and reduces the amount of bad checks and other fraud that occurs. By reducing these crimes, it improves a business’ bottom line, increasing job security and the possibility of expansion. A low crime rate and qualified workers also helps to attract new businesses to the Borough.

Help Clean Up!

The “broken windows” theory states that the more decay or “broken windows” in an area, the less people tend to take care of it, and the more it becomes vulnerable to being taken over by criminal activity. A simple way to help prevent criminal activity from taking hold in an area then, is to keep it maintained. Fixing graffiti, smashed glass, and removing trash from vacant or unused property all help to deter the criminal element from coming in while simultaneously helping to attract customers. Consider asking employees to volunteer and recruiting community members to help clean up by offering awards, prizes or gift certificates to your store for those who participate.

Encourage the Reporting of Crime by Customers

Remind customers through signage that shoplifting and other criminal activity in your business affects them directly by increasing the price of your goods. Ask for their cooperation in reporting any suspicious behavior they observe while shopping. Leave a phone number they can call if they would like to report it anonymously, if necessary. Offer a reward for any tips that lead to arrest and prosecution for a crime against your business.

Natural Access Control

Natural access control works to eliminate access to potential crime targets while increasing the perception of risk. It is accomplished by clearly marking public access routes through the use of limited entrances, sidewalks, and other natural elements. While not forbidding or completely preventing access, it aims to make it obvious if someone is somewhere they are not supposed to be, thus drawing attention to them. In a retail or business setting this would include placing the registers in the front of the store, blocking direct “escape” routes with displays, benches or planters, limiting the number of entrances and exits as well as signs directing customers to parking lots and entrances.

Natural Surveillance

Natural surveillance is the use of the eyes and ears of those who are around regularly to help monitor your business. These “eyes” can be customers, neighbors or other businesses. It is accomplished through well-lit parking lots, loading areas, and store fronts, windows that provide a clear view in and out of a business and a pedestrian friendly sidewalk. Storefront windows should look out at the parking lot (especially rear lots) or street and should not be blocked by shelving, advertising, or other signs. Entrances should all be under visual or electronic surveillance.

Territorial Reinforcement

Territorial reinforcement is using low fencing or landscaping to define property lines and to reinforce what is public versus private land. Gates or fencing that is only 4 or 5 feet high is easy enough to overcome, but only at the risk of attracting the attention of a passer-by. It gives those in charge of an area a feeling of control while it discourages potential offenders.

Target Hardening

Target hardening simply makes it as difficult as possible to attack a crime target. It includes elements such as dead-bolt locks, window bars, bright lighting, interior door hinges and the use of security systems.
According to 2005 data, there were 4,500 full time residents in Mount Ephraim. We would like that number to swell dramatically during business hours. That will make well over 4,500 sets of eyes available to assist our 13 full-time law enforcement officers.

It CAN happen here

Although Mount Ephraim’s crime rate is well below the national average (41.18 index crimes/ 1000 residents nationally in 2005), crime does occur here. One of the best ways to help prevent it from occurring is through awareness and education. By being aware of the weak points of your current crime prevention plan you can work to eliminate them. When you recognize the strengths of your plan, you are able to make sure they remain implemented and followed by all employees.

Think like a crook

Criminals are not going to play fair if they want to victimize you. Nothing says that you have to be completely up front and honest about your crime prevention techniques for them either. While your response must fall within the legal guidelines, deception is not forbidden. If you are unable to afford expensive cameras or security systems, you can probably afford a security system sticker for your window or a fake camera in your parking lot.
Consider asking anyone you catch victimizing your business why they felt it was a good target. Chances are they will be more than willing to brag about how smart they thought they were and how easily they avoided detection previously. This can point out weaknesses you were not aware of and allow you to fix it before you are victimized again.

Ask Your Employees

It is not possible to run all aspects of a business and be aware of everything that occurs. Therefore, ask the people who DO know. Someone in management might have a good idea for preventing employee theft while a cashier has an idea for preventing shoplifting. Employees might be aware of weaknesses and strengths that aren’t apparent to other employees. Brainstorming will at least bring awareness to all employees and remind them that everyone is working on the same side. It might also discourage a dishonest employee from stealing from you if they realize you are aware and care about preventing theft.
Do more than pay “lip-service” to employee suggestions. If they believe you are serious about crime prevention and value their input, they are more likely to take it seriously themselves.
Employees also need to be educated on what to do if they spot criminal activity. It is frustrating and not particularly useful to have an employee who can spot a shoplifter as he’s walking out the door but doesn't know how to react. Many criminals take advantage of an employee’s uncertainty and slow response to victimize the business repeatedly.

Be Willing to PROSECUTE!

The sections in this guide will give tips on what information is needed to prosecute a case successfully. However, for most crimes, every detail about the incident becomes irrelevant if you are not willing to cooperate with law enforcement and the Prosecutors Office during prosecution. Take the time to make a clear, detailed statement to police and give your employees ample time as well. Allow employees the time needed to appear in court if necessary. Employees are more likely to exhibit crime prevention awareness if they know something will come of their effort.