Business Security

Your business is very important to you and to the Nelson Police Department.  There are many steps you can take to ensure your business premises remain safer and more secure.  

Top 10 Security Tips for Businesses

  1. Install a monitored alarm system.
  2. Use video surveillance as a deterrent.
  3. Ensure all entry points are secure with quality locks.
  4. Keep the premises well-lit, especially during off-hours.
  5. Display anti-theft signs prominently.
  6. Keep valuable items locked or within sight of staff.
  7. Leave cash register open, empty and visible from outside after hours.
  8. Conduct background checks on employees handling cash.
  9. Implement a cash management policy to reduce on-site cash amounts.
  10. Train staff on security protocols and emergency procedures.

Be aware and alert of your surroundings

Greet everyone who enters your store and make eye contact with them if at all possible.  Know who visits your business and the purpose of their visit – be wary of people who ask about the operations of your business, security procedures, shift changes etc.   

Be mindful of people who carry backpacks or large bags in your store and wear a hat or glasses to potentially disguise their appearance.   Consider asking persons who carry either a large backpack or bag to leave them at the front of the store and the clerks will keep close watch of their personal effects.  You also have the right, in your store, to ask customers to remove their hats, hoods and sunglasses – posting this message at the entrance will give people advance notice of expectations to be found within the store. 

Fitting rooms and bathrooms should be watched at all times.  Limit the number of items taken into the fitting room and don’t allow unpaid merchandise in the restroom.  Consider limiting washroom use to customers only and ensure you and your staff know the location of the nearest public washroom to direct others to.     

Shoplifters tend to look around for cameras and clerks.  They often hide items in their sleeves, boots or socks – they may bend down to tie their shoes more than once, fidget with their cuffs, hitch up their pants or rearrange their clothing frequently.  They often wear bulky or out of season clothing or could even hide shoplifted items in infants’ strollers or diaper bags. Nothing is off limits for shoplifters to conceal stolen items.

Employees should never compromise their own personal safety.  In the event of a theft, make sure your employees know they never have to chase after the thief and that they are aware of emergency exit routes.  Train staff to take in details and report these details or any concerns to the Nelson Police Department.  If a customer is displaying concerning or aggressive behavior, stay calm, don’t take anything personally, do not respond with similar behavior and if, after being politely requested to leave and they will not, call the police for assistance – urgent requests please use 911 and non-urgent calls for service please call Nelson Police Department directly at 250-354-3919.

Loss prevention

Display anti-theft signs and keep valuable items locked away or in sight of staff and away from windows.  This will lesson the chances of a smash and grab occurrence from a front window display.   Use a safe or a secured area to store valuables - including keys to business vehicles, and limit the number of valuable items an employee can remove from a locked case at any one time.

Track inventory regularly, record serial numbers of electronic items, photograph all valuables and maintain up to date insurance coverage. This aids police and you in identifying your property in the event your business has been the victim of a robbery or theft.

Carefully and discreetly remove large bills from the register when counting cash at shift change and a second reminder – leave the cash drawer empty, open and visible from the outside during after hours.  

Visibility

Typically, people are less likely to commit a crime if they can be seen easily.  Place your checkout counter near the front of the store so employees can easily monitor inside and outside and make sure your cash register is inaccessible to customers and monitored at all times.  Maintain an updated contact list for the business and keep it easily accessible by the till for both staff and the police in the event that is required.

Keep the business window blinds open during the day and keep window signs, displays and posters to a minimum.  A general rule is to cover no more than 10% of your business window with signage.   A business owner could also consider shorter shelving units making it easier for staff to detect theft.  A guiding principle is if you cannot see all four walls consider installing convex mirrors or cameras so you and your staff can maintain a sight line to all areas of your business.

Lighting

Lighting is a very important feature to consider.   Making sure inside areas are well lit will allow people to feel safer inside your business and make it less of a target for crime.   Consider the use of LED lights as they tend to increase visibility if your business uses a camera security system.  Consider leaving the inside lights on during closing hours, blinds open and the cash-drawer empty, open and easily visible from the outside. 

The outside of your business is equally important.   Keep doorways, main walkways, back alleys, parking lots and corners where people like to mingle, well lit.   Consider using motion lights at the back of your business as this will startle nefarious after-hours visitors as they immediately flood the area with light.  Outside lights can be the target of vandalism therefore covering them with a mesh shield and mounting them out of reach is preferable.   Make sure trees and shrubs around a business are well trimmed and do not block any valuable lighting.  

Lock your property

Locking your business at the end of the day should be a rule.   Use a deadbolt with a minimum 1-inch bolt and a saw resistant insert on all exterior doors is the recommended minimum. Make sure rear and side entrances and storeroom doors stay securely locked during business hours and check that all the doors and windows are secure at closing time – every day.   Check with the City of Nelson Fire Department if you are unsure if your business meets the City of Nelson fire code when considering securing your business premises. 

The use of a sign out method for keys is recommended and remember to collect business keys when employees leave your business. 

Premises

Ensure your business address is clearly marked on both the front and rear of your building.  A clean, uncluttered, neatly landscaped and well-maintained business deters crime and makes patrons feel welcome.   If a business looks run down it could be considered an easy target.

If possible, schedule cleaning staff at night when vandalism is more likely to occur.  Repair any damage or graffiti as soon as possible to avoid others re-tagging the same area. 

Keep your alley free of any discarded trash and recycled items – for example bricks, metal poles and construction materials could be used to attempt access to your business.  Post proper signage for parking which clearly indicates private property. 

If you do have a break in call 911 and do not enter your business.  There is a chance someone could remain in the building or evidence may accidently be destroyed.

Hazard

If you find used or new sharp exposed items, for example needle tips, don’t bag them, call the City of Nelson Fire Department at 250-352-3103 and they will attend to pick the sharp item up.   If you are accidently pricked with a needle, wash the area with soap and water and go to the nearest ER for medical attention.  For any drug paraphernalia – cookers, stems or pipes, do not call the City of Nelson Fire Department to dispose of it - don work or rubber gloves, pick the items up, double bag and tie off and dispose of in the garbage.  Wash your hands well.  

Ankors in Nelson may also be contacted, during business hours (9-5) for safe disposal of found needles or drug paraphernalia. Ankors – 250-505-5506.  

If you find human feces on your business premises unfortunately this is the responsibility of the business to remove and sanitize the area, however it is strongly recommended that this be done using personal protective equipment.    If human feces are located on public property - for example City of Nelson back alleys, call the City of Nelson Public Works Dept at 250-352-8238 for assistance and clean up. 

Consider connecting with Nelson Community Services Street Outreach Team if your business or employees are facing challenges that involve community members who are experiencing homelessness, and/or issues with substance use and mental health. The team is made up of three part-time street outreach workers, and a program manager. The training includes Mental Health First Aid, Basic First Aid/CPR, Assessment, Case Management, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Privacy/Info. sharing, Drug Information, Naloxone, Mental Health and Substance Use, Health Precautions & Personal Safety.  Please call or text Nelson Street Outreach at 250-777-3993 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:00pm). 

Security alarm systems and video surveillance 

Consider purchasing and installing a monitored alarm and place the surveillance on all entrances.  There are many styles and capabilities of alarms and cameras to purchase – look for the best quality camera of system that stays within your budget and can be monitored on line.   Consider a window sign stating the business is monitored by an alarm company and there is no money kept on site.   Do not hide your cameras, cameras work as a deterrent particularly so when they are visible.

Make sure you train your staff on the use of the systems, retain recordings for a minimum of 30 days and change alarm codes when an employee leaves your business.   When the work day is over and the last person is leaving – ensure the alarm is set.  

The City of Nelson advises they do not require a permit to install a security alarm.   However, any modifications to a business to install an alarm may require a permit and it would be prudent to discuss that with the City of Nelson Development Services at 250-352-8260. 

Considerations when selecting a camera system

 Quality of picture:

  • A proper ratio (width x height) will allow images to be viewed correctly, without distortion.
  • The higher the resolution, the better the quality – but also be mindful that more storage space is generally required for higher resolution images.
  • A frame rate of 30 frames per second is optimal to avoid missing frames.
  • Make note of the difference between night and day recording and adjust if needed.

Consider looking at camera or security systems that allow for:

  • Notifications on your smart phone.
  • Live monitoring.
  • Alarm activation.
  • Motion-activation or continuous capture.
  • Two-way audio (for doorbell cameras).
  • Motion lights.
  • Longer periods for saving footage.

Placement considerations:

  • Do not hide your cameras. Cameras work best as a deterrent when they are visible.
  • Cameras should be placed out of reach of tampering and directed at the areas you want to cover.
  • Focus on placement on a specific area of concern (e.g. gate or window). Do not try to capture too much of the surrounding area.
  • Keep hedges, large trees and bushes trimmed to prevent obstructed views.

Aggressive panhandling around your business

Tell those panhandling you carry no money on the premises and if you are concerned call the Nelson Police Department at 250-354-3919 for assistance.   If you require urgent and immediate assistance always call 911.  Watch to make sure you are not followed when you leave.

Credit Fraud

Credit fraud defrauds manufacturers, suppliers and distributors or their merchandise. Con artists set up fake companies and buy materials and good on credit, then vanish without a trace.

Watch for a new customer ordering an unusually large amount of merchandise on credit or when a customer’s payments start to lag behind.  Be careful if a customer’s business references can’t be verified or a company suddenly increases its orders for no apparent reason. 

Make sure you get to know any new management of a company. Always do a thorough credit check, and make sure, no matter how much you want to, that new orders are never filled until the credit check is complete.

Credit card fraud:

If a credit card is altered in any way, is expired, not yet validated or the signature on the back of the card does not match the one on the sales slip – the credit card used may be stolen.  Call the credit card company for authorization and indicate your suspicions.   Tell the customer there is a problem getting authorization and you have to keep the card. If they become aggressive or abusive, call the police.

Cybercrime:

Email scams and malware are becoming more complex which increases the risk for both business and their clients.  

Prevention is key to keeping your business safe and secure.  Report all cyber-attacks to police and connect with the Canadian government “Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre” for up to date guidance and advice on managing cyber-events.

Visit the Canadian government website at Get Cyber Safe for more information on protecting your business from cybercrime.    

Internal theft

A business can lose a lot to employee theft.  Have clear and strict polices on theft and accepting bribes and set a good example – don’t take business supplies home without paying for them.  Make sure you get to know your staff and ask them what they see and how their work environment could be improved.  Keep your salary offered competitive – remember that employees who are happy and are treated fairly will take pride in your business too and be much less likely to steal from you.  

Signs you could have an internal problem include, but are not limited to, an increase in stock shortages, a change in business patterns when an employee is away, complaints from customers and a decrease in profits.  Common methods used are over-charging customers and keeping the difference, hiding merchandise in trash bins and collecting upon leaving for the day, and saving discarded receipts to pretend the item has been paid for.

Prevention is key and includes thorough inventory control, unexpected checks, limiting employee access to inventory records and checking the trash bins and infrequently used rooms for stashed items.  Certainly, only a handful of employees are actually thief’s but keeping a close watch on your staff and procedures is only prudent and ensures less problems in the long run.

Refund fraud

Make your refund policy clear at the time of purchase by both putting up a sign at the cash register and mentioning the refund policy or having it stamped on the receipt.  Cash refunds should only be issued if a customer has an original receipt.  An exchange only policy may be something to consider.

Robbery

If you are threatened with a weapon and a robber demands money, give it to them, your life is not worth the risk.  But do try and get a good look at the suspect so you can give a description to the police after.  As soon as possible after the robbery call 911 and write down all the information you can remember – their height, weight, hair, eye color, how many persons, tattoos – everything.  If you get a look at their vehicle note the type and licence plate if possible.  And then, don’t touch anything – the police will want to examine any surface a robber has touched.    

Websites of interest

Below you will find some excellent Canadian websites with further detailed information on how to secure your business premises and prevent theft as much as possible.

If you would like further assistance to discuss safety and security on your business premises, please contact the Nelson Police Department Community Constable at 250-354-3919, ext. 655 or Nelson Police Department Victim Services at 250-505-5657.