“What is the criminal view?” asked Detective Chris Lee, Cypress Police Department. “The SATs include: surveillance, access and territoriality.”
Local business professionals attended the networking breakfast held monthly for members by the Cypress Chamber of Commerce at the Residence Inn by Marriott. In the room were representatives from industries including real estate, government, banking, cemeteries, computer support and more, each interested in hearing how best they can protect their business from criminal activity.
“What is the criminal view?” asked Detective Chris Lee, Cypress Police Department. “The SATs include: surveillance, access and territoriality.”
Local business professionals attended the networking breakfast held monthly for members by the Cypress Chamber of Commerce at the Residence Inn by Marriott. In the room were representatives from industries including real estate, government, banking, cemeteries, computer support and more, each interested in hearing how best they can protect their business from criminal activity.
“Does your business have poor visibility at the front door or front windows?” asked Lee. “Does your business have a security system? Convenience stores experience a mean annual robbery rate reduction of 23% after installation of a CCTV system. When they add monitored cameras, the reduction is 54%.”
“Business owners can buy a high-quality system with 16 cameras for as low as $3,200 at Costco.” Lee reminded everyone that he is not recommending any particular retailer, but giving examples of local stores that sell the type of equipment needed.
“Take a look when you go to Walmart or Target. When you enter the store, you see yourself on a TV monitor. This is a big crime deterrent.”
He noted that burglarized homes had fewer fences and locked gates surrounding the house than non-burglarized homes. “Lighting is your friend.”
“Businesses can prevent access by adding chain link or wrought iron fencing, which is see-through,” shared Lee. He showed an example of a parking garage that was a combination of low block wall with chain link. The company added better lighting and reduced crime by 50%.
In addition to visibility, businesses should ask ‘Does anyone care what happens here?’ When a home or business looks well-maintained, painted and a nice lawn, it is obvious someone cares. If neighbors see suspicious activity in a well-maintained home or business, they will call the police.
“In a study of 400 convenience store robberies, one sign that differentiated between robbed and non-robbed stores was the distance from the nearest graffiti,” said Lee.
“Criminals ask ‘Will I be seen?’, ‘Can I get in and out?’, and ‘Does anyone care what happens here?’,” said Lee. “You need to look at the whole picture. Access barriers alone can be overcome. Surveillance plus access plus territoriality work together. Send a message that crime is not accepted in the general territory.”
His key points included: decorative fencing, especially anti-scaling fencing is preferred. Visibility through good lighting is important, including front and back door lighting so criminals can be seen. Cameras and recorded high-quality video is critical.
Lee reviewed the need for quality locks that are checked regularly for fatigue and damage. Skylight locks should be on the inside of the building. If a business wants to save money on lighting, use motion-detecting lights.
Don’t leave money overnight in a safe or cash register and have a sign that states ‘no cash on premises.’ Make sure your alarm company calls the police before they call employees or the business owner so police can get there before the criminal leaves.
“Don’t advertise your wealth by putting expensive inventory near the front windows, said Lee. “Put the inexpensive, small items in front, and your more valuable inventory at the back of the store.”
Lee offered that the Cypress Police Department is happy to come out and do a security evaluation for local businesses and offer training on skills such as how to deal with an active shooter and other safety topics.
