Although many business owners would agree that crime prevention is important, all one has to do is look at their window advertising to see that their priorities may be in the wrong place.

Security Risks Window Advertising

Businesses need to reconsider the practice of displaying advertising if it covers more than 20% of their exterior windows or doors.  The reality is that the more you cover your windows the more you are blocking the views into and out of the business, and in effect you may be increasing your security risks and therefore liability exposure.

Crime Prevention

It works like this; police officers often observe businesses that are on their beats as they drive by in their patrol cars.  However, if the windows are covered in advertisements and the officers cannot see inside, they may not be able to observe if the business is being robbed at the time.

The days of police officers walking foot patrols are pretty much a thing of the past with the exception of some of the larger cities.  Law enforcement officers are normally responding to calls for service, so they are likely to have little or no time to stop to check-in with businesses like they did years ago.  That being the case it is incumbent on the business owners to insure that they follow all of the crime prevention tips and techniques that are available so as to decrease their risks and liabilities.

Business Security Tips:

There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of things that businesses can do to prevent crime or reduce the likelihood that it will occur.  First thing you must know are your risks and vulnerabilities and then develop a comprehensive plan to mitigate or reduce them.

So what can or should a business owner do? Here are a few steps that they can start with:

• Increase both inside and outside lighting. There are lighting standards that businesses should follow that have been established as minimum lighting levels.
• Do not cover your exterior windows with advertising. The windows should be kept clear and there should be clear line of sight into and out of the business.
• Tinted or reflective (mirror) window glass should never be used in retail or business spaces where there is a high risk for criminal activity. During the day people cannot see in, and at night staff cannot see out of the windows.
• Determine your loss potential by conducting a security risk assessment that also addresses vulnerabilities.

There literally are hundreds of other simple crime prevention tips that you as a business owner or homeowner can do that can increase your security measures and reduce your odds of becoming a victim.  Most steps that you can take will cost little or no money, just some of your time.