Common Crimes Associated with Business and Commercial Properties
Breaking and Entering
- Often occur multiple times in a similar time period in multiple locations
- Offenders are often apprehended after multiple break ins
- Offenders are often locals who frequent immediate area
- Physical building security, lighting and quality cameras help deter/solve these crimes
Vandalism and Graffiti
- Can be graffiti or damage to property
- Can be costly to the business owner
- Dirty, damaged and unkempt properties can attract more crime
- Take pictures and file police reports for graffiti, this can help in solving future and past crimes
Theft and Larceny
- Provide good customer service face to face, criminals want to remain anonymous
and interacting with them takes that way - Be mindful of not placing expensive or easy to grab merchandise near a doorway or open window, move things away from these area when the store is closed
- Be vigilant of people and situations: baggy clothes or jackets when it is warm, or
people walking around with empty bags - Share information of suspects with other businesses in the area and police
Assaults
- Sometimes occurs when suspect is stealing items
- Can occur when employees are walking to and from business
- Have good situational awareness: watch what is going on around you, walk in groups, look outside/inside your store before entering/leaving
Robbery
- Are in-frequent, dangerous and traumatic
- Primary focus is to get them out of your business fast
- Do not confront them, your stuff is replaceable, YOU are not
- Observe and provided as much detail as possible
Trespassing
- Can occur during or after business hours
- Can disrupt your business operations and may turn violent
- Trespassers are sometimes experiencing a mental or drug issues and are not
thinking rationally - If you are willing to prosecute, contact the police for assistance
- File a Trespass Authorization Form https://www.ashevillenc.gov/service/submit-a-trespass-letter-to-the-police/
Steps to Prevent and Reduce Crime
Lighting
- Well lit areas deter offenders
- Provides a sense of safety and security
- Enables good line of sight for police and cameras
Doors Windows and Locks
- Security film or bars for glass doors and windows
- Deadbolts or multi lock deadbolts
- Keypads are great, use metal ones installed properly, clean smooth touchpads often
- Magnetic locks can be forced open, consider secondary locks
- Utilize window locks, consider bars on windows in less visible areas
- Reinforce doors and windows to reduce lag to make them harder to force open
Cameras
- A camera is only as good as its quality images
- Consider placement and how lighting enhances or impedes them
- Doorbell cameras can also be a good option
Alarm System
- Offer many benefits and can be a deterrent
- Keep your list of keyholders up to date with your alarm system to ensure efficient and comprehensive police assistance
- Police can be limited in their response on scene if they are unable to get someone with a key to let them inside
Interior Prevention
- Cash registers: remove all cash, leave open, leave illuminated
- Safes: use a high quality safe properly secured in some manner to the actually building or ground
- Merchandise: be conscious of what items your place where, keep high value items away from the entrance/exit, move items way from doors/windows when closed
Business Watch
- Participate in or create a Business Watch to facilitate information sharing between businesses and police
- This can aid in identifying offenders and sharing solutions
- Meet on a regular basis to brainstorm problems, share information and discuss crime trends
- Invite law enforcement to aid in the sharing of information and to help solve cases
For assistance with scheduling a security survey or any questions in regards to this information or the Trespass Authorization Form, please contact the APD Community Engagement Unit at apdcommunityengagement@ashevillenc.gov