Crime Prevention Tips for Businesses and Commercial Properties

Due to the recent commercial burglaries in Albany, the Albany Police Department (APD) is providing safety and crime prevention tips intended to serve local businesses and commercial properties. APD will also be working to provide increased patrols to serve our community and help protect businesses.

- Ensure CCTV cameras (video surveillance) are functioning and visible. Post signs that any trespassers are being monitored.

- Ensure alarms are armed when the business is not in operation.

- Inspect the locks on all exterior and interior doors and windows to ensure they are in good working condition.

- Provide training for all employees on security procedures.

- Install perimeter lighting to increase visibility.

- Leave a light on inside even when the business is closed as a deterrent.

- Limit entry points to just one.

- Lock up valuable assets.

- Leave the cash register open showing no money inside when the business is not in operation.

- Avoid routines and patterns. Change up what time you or your employees drop cash from the till, and what time money is taken to the bank.

- When an employee is by themselves, businesses are the most vulnerable. If possible, operate with at least two people for all shifts, especially opening and closing shifts.

- Don’t leave the cash register or money unattended.

- Maintain visibility throughout the store. Make sure you can see the front door, that there are no “hidden areas,” and your shelves are positioned so that someone cannot hide.

- Increase visibility from the outside looking in.

- When paid with cash, check bills to ensure they are not counterfeit. Visit www.federalreserve.gov for tips on how to determine if banknotes are genuine with features such as watermarks.

- Visit Business Resiliency | City of Albany, CA (albanyca.org) for additional tips.

The Albany Police Department can schedule times to meet with businesses or residents to talk through safety tips. Call the APD non-emergency number at 1(510) 525-7300  or email [email protected] to coordinate a time. Please don’t hesitate to call 911 to report a crime in progress.