Crime Prevention for Businesses

Keeping our business community safe is a priority. By working together, we can reduce opportunities for crime and create a secure environment for employees, customers, and visitors. Below are practical steps and resources to help protect your business.

Benefits of Surveillance Cameras

Surveillance cameras are a smart investment to safeguard your business and support a safer community. Installing security cameras at your business helps protect your property, employees, and customers:

• Deterrence: Reduces theft, shoplifting, and vandalism by making criminals think twice.

• Evidence: Provides valuable footage for police investigations and insurance claims.

• Employee & Customer Safety: Monitors activity inside and outside the workplace.

• Operational Awareness: Helps track daily activity and improve business security practices.

General Security Tips

• Keep doors and windows locked when not in use.

• Install bright exterior lighting to eliminate hiding places.

• Trim shrubs and landscaping for clear visibility around entrances.

• Use an alarm system and clearly display security signage.

• Regularly check security cameras to ensure they are working properly.

Employee Awareness

• Train staff on how to spot suspicious behavior and when to call police.

• Encourage employees to greet customers—acknowledgment can deter shoplifters.

• Keep minimal cash on hand; use drop safes when possible.

• Establish a closing/opening routine with at least two employees present.

Robbery Prevention

• Keep windows clear of posters or clutter for good visibility inside and out.

• Position registers in a visible area near the front of the store.

• Vary bank deposit times and never carry large amounts of cash alone.

• Cooperate during a robbery, personal safety is more important than money or merchandise.

Burglary Prevention

• Reinforce doors with solid frames and deadbolt locks.

• Use roll-down gates or bars for vulnerable glass doors and windows.

• Remove valuables from plain sight after business hours.

• Consider installing motion-activated interior lighting.

Fraud & Cybercrime

• Train employees to recognize counterfeit money and suspicious credit card activity.

• Use secure networks for credit card transactions.

• Update software and firewalls regularly to prevent cyberattacks.

• Shred sensitive documents before disposal.

Cybersecurity & Online Safety

Criminals don’t just operate on the streets—they also target people and businesses online. From identity theft to scams and ransomware, cybercrime can have a serious impact on your finances, privacy, and peace of mind. By practicing good cybersecurity habits, you can reduce your risk and stay safe online.

Protect Your Devices

• Keep your operating system, software, and apps updated with the latest security patches.

• Use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly.

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible.

• Install reputable antivirus and firewall protection.

Email & Text Message Safety

• Don’t click links or open attachments from unknown senders.

• Be cautious of emails or texts that create a sense of urgency, such as “act now” or “your account will be locked.”

• Verify suspicious messages by contacting the organization directly through official websites or phone numbers.

Protect Personal Information

• Never share Social Security numbers, banking details, or login credentials via email, phone, or text.

• Shred documents containing personal or financial data before disposal.

• Be mindful of what you post on social media—criminals may use personal details to guess passwords or target scams.

Online Shopping & Banking

• Shop only on secure websites (look for “https://” and a padlock symbol).

• Use a credit card instead of a debit card for online purchases.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions.

• Regularly check bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges.

Recognize Common Scams

• Phishing: Fake emails or messages tricking you into giving personal info.

• Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters claiming your computer is infected and demanding payment.

• Gift Card Scams: Callers asking for payment in gift cards—always a red flag.

• Romance/Investment Scams: Strangers building trust online to steal money or personal details.

For Businesses

• Train employees to recognize phishing and social engineering attempts.

• Back up important files regularly and keep copies offline.

• Restrict access to sensitive information to only those who need it.

• Have an incident response plan in place before an attack occurs.

If You’re a Victim

• Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.identitytheft.gov.

• Report internet fraud or scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.

• Contact your bank or credit card company immediately if your accounts are compromised.

• File a police report if money or personal information has been stolen.

Whether you own a home or rent an apartment, simple security steps can make a big difference in keeping you and your family safe. Use these tips to reduce opportunities for crime and increase peace of mind.

Doors & Windows

• Always lock doors and windows, even if you’re only leaving for a short time.

• Use high-quality deadbolt locks on exterior doors.

• Reinforce sliding glass doors with a rod, security bar, or track lock.

• Install peepholes or door viewers so you can see who’s outside before opening.

Lighting & Visibility

• Keep the exterior well-lit with porch, motion, or dusk-to-dawn lights.

• Trim shrubs and trees near doors and windows to eliminate hiding spots.

• In apartments, report burned-out exterior lights or broken locks to management right away.

Inside the Home

• Use timers for lights, TVs, or radios when away to give the appearance that someone is home.

• Keep valuables out of sight and consider using a safe for important documents or jewelry.

• Don’t share vacation plans on social media until after you return.

Apartment-Specific Tips

• Ensure common entrances and hallways are secure and well-lit.

• Do not let strangers “tailgate” behind you into locked buildings.

• Get to know your neighbors and look out for unusual activity.

• Report maintenance issues (locks, gates, lighting) to management promptly.

Benefits of Surveillance Cameras

Surveillance cameras are one of the most effective tools for crime prevention and property protection. Installing security cameras can greatly improve safety and peace of mind:

• Deterrence: Visible cameras discourage theft, vandalism, and trespassing.

• Evidence: Video footage can help police investigate crimes and identify suspects.

• Awareness: Monitor activity around your property in real time.

• Community Safety: Cameras can protect not only you, but also your neighbors.

Benefits of Alarm Systems

Installing an alarm system adds an extra layer of protection for your home:

• Deterrence: The presence of alarms and signage discourages burglars.

• Rapid Response: Many systems alert you and law enforcement right away.

• Peace of Mind: Know your family and property are protected whether you’re home or away.

• Integration: Modern alarms can connect with cameras, smart locks, and mobile alerts for full home security.

Neighborhood & Community Safety

• Join or help start a Neighborhood Watch program.

• Stay alert to unusual activity and call 309-820-8888 or 911 in emergencies.

• Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up mail or packages when you’re away.

• Mark personal property with identifying information to make it easier to recover if stolen.

• Keep a record of the serial numbers and descriptions of valuable property.

Crime Prevention for Vehicles

Vehicles are one of the most common targets for theft. Most incidents are crimes of opportunity, and many can be prevented by taking simple precautions. Protect your vehicle and its contents with these tips:

Lock It Up

• Always lock your doors and close all windows, even if you’re stepping away for just a moment.

• Take your keys with you-never leave a running vehicle unattended.

• If your vehicle has an alarm or anti-theft device, use it every time.

Remove Valuables

• Never leave purses, wallets, electronics, or shopping bags in plain sight.

• If you must leave items in your car, store them in the trunk before arriving at your destination.

• Remove spare change, garage door openers, and documents with personal information.

Firearm Safety

• Firearms should never be left unsecured in a vehicle.

• If transporting a firearm, use a locked container or cable lock.

• Always remove firearms and ammunition from your vehicle when parked at home, work, or in public areas.

• Stolen firearms pose a serious risk to community safety—help prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.

Parking Smart

• Park in well-lit, busy areas whenever possible.

• At home, use a driveway or garage instead of street parking if available.

• Back into spaces when possible-this increases visibility and can deter thieves.

Update Security Features & Recalls

• Some vehicles have manufacturer recalls related to security, such as defective keys, faulty ignition systems, or electronic vulnerabilities.

• Check your vehicle for recalls at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.

• Schedule recall repairs as soon as possible-repairs are usually free at authorized dealerships.

• Keeping your vehicle up to date ensures it remains safe, reliable, and less attractive to thieves.

Extra Layers of Security

• Use a steering wheel lock or other visible deterrent.

• Consider installing a vehicle alarm or GPS tracking device.

• Record your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate information for quick reference if stolen.