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Email us at RCMP_Business_Link@richmond.ca with your business name and street address.

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Exterior

  • All entrances should be well lit.
  • Install anti-tampering cages over outdoor light fixtures to protect the light bulb.
  • Replace burned-out or broken lights immediately.
  • Outdoor light fixtures should be clean and utilize the proper light type, i.e., high pressure sodium bulbs, etc., to maximize lighting effectiveness.
  • For employee safety, ensure proper lighting coverage of all vehicles in your parking lot.
  • Maintain clear visibility from the store to the street, sidewalk, parking areas, loading areas and passing traffic.
  • Keep landscaping away from windows and doors. Don’t provide concealment or climbing platforms for a burglar.
  • Display your address clearly on both the front and rear of your building.
  • If possible, fence the entire perimeter of your property with high quality fence that cannot be cut or damaged easily.
  • Gates should have a pre-determined opening and locking schedule with one person responsible for ensuring the gate is properly locked.
  • If there are security guards, ensure they patrol on a random circuit and that they check all exterior doors and windows on a regular basis.

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Building

  • Install an anti-pry metal plate on all exterior doors. Anti-pry plates are bolted to the door and cover the gap between the door & door frame so the lock and frame areas cannot be split apart to gain entry.
  • Install a door collar (a U-shaped metal sleeve that fits under the door handle and the deadbolt) for additional support.
  • Glass doors and windows should be reinforced with security film.
  • Ensure all exterior doors, windows and gates are locked at the end of the day.
  • Protect vulnerable entries, such as glass doors or bay doors, by install bollards (rigid posts) in front of it.
  • Install bollards close together to prevent vehicles from driving through.
  • "Barn door braces” can be installed to reinforce bay doors.
  • Use good quality padlock on the interior of the bay door.
  • Install window bars or roll down shutters on glass doors or windows to reinforce them.
  • Windows should be free of clutter, frosting or advertising to allow visibility in and out of the business.

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Shoplifting Prevention

  • If you have CCTV, check that it is in good working order and the correct date and time are recorded.
  • Train employees to keep an eye on anyone who is loitering, ask if they need assistance.
  • Ensure store and display shelves are neat and organized to allow clear lines of sight across the store.
  • Have the checkout counter near the front of the store.
  • Install surveillance cameras and make sure date and time stamps are accurate.
    Clearly mark public area and staff only areas.
  • Prevent grab-and-runs by keeping merchandise away from exits.
  • Keep expensive items in locked cases.
  • Make sure to have an adequate level of staffing at all times to ensure there are enough staff to provide customer service as well as watch the floor.
  • Share shoplifting prevention tips with employees to ensure they know how to prevent a potential crime.
  • Utilize mirrors in the corners of the ceiling to prevent theft.
  • Put up theft prevention signs that advertise security methods, fines imposed and maximum criminal shoplifting charge.
  • Call the police for every attempted theft no matter how little the values may be will help your business stay safe from the antics of petty criminals.
  • Develop a strict refund/exchange policy to discourage fraudulent returns and avoid letting professional shoplifter to take advantage of you.
  • Install an entrance/exit alert sensor. This is extremely useful for low-volume businesses so that you will be notified whenever someone comes in or leaves your store.
  • Monitor dressing rooms and restrooms. Staff an employee near the fitting room to monitor and track items entering and exiting. Do not allow un-paid items to be taken into the restrooms.

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Employee Safety

  • Provide adequate and ongoing safety training to employees.
  • Make sure all machinery is well maintained and has adequate protective guards.
  • Provide employees with the required safety gear.
  • Always maintain a clear path and quick access to the emergency exits.
  • Designate a secured area with lockers for employees to store personal belongings.
  • Schedule more than one employee for late night closing shifts.
  • Always lock your vehicles and remove all valuables.
  • Make sure private areas are hard to access for non-employees.

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