Crime Prevention through Partnerships

Create a “Business Watch” program

Business watch programs work in business districts much like a neighborhood watch works in neighborhoods. A business watch forms links between local businesses, as well as with the Police Department. Businesses in an area act as eyes and ears for both Police and for other businesses, reducing the opportunity for criminals to strike. By working together and conveying information about suspects, criminals loose the opportunity to shoplift, burglarize, rob, or otherwise victimize your business and your customers.

Consider creating a phone tree or fax network with other businesses in Brewer. Share information about shoplifters you have caught or suspect of stealing from you, lists of people who have repeatedly passed bad checks, merchandise or property that has been stolen from you (in case someone tries to pawn or return it somewhere else), and any other information you feel can prevent a similar crime elsewhere, or help you catch your suspect. The crook who steals the change from your vending machine will most likely lighten his load as quickly as possible. Letting local stores and banks know to be on the look out for someone with a large amount of change will probably lead you to your suspect quickly.

Work with the Schools

Working to educate local students on the availability of careers and jobs in Brewer will help to reduce the amount of crime that occurs in a number of ways. By teaching high school, and even some middle school students job skills, students are more likely to make the transition from school to work smoothly and with the skills needed to maintain a stable economy in the City. High rates of employment and a stable economy makes Brewer less vulnerable to many types of crime, including burglary, robbery, vandalism, drug and alcohol abuse and reduces the amount of bad checks and other fraud that occurs. By reducing these crimes, it improves a business’ bottom line, increasing job security and the possibility of expansion. A low crime rate and qualified workers also helps to attract new businesses to the City.

Help Clean Up!

The “broken windows” theory states that the more decay or “broken windows” in an area, the less people tend to take care of it, and the more it becomes vulnerable to being taken over by criminal activity. A simple way to help prevent criminal activity from taking hold in an area then, is to keep it maintained. Fixing graffiti, smashed glass, and removing trash from vacant or unused property all help to deter the criminal element from coming in while simultaneously helping to attract customers. Consider asking employees to volunteer and recruiting community members to help clean up by offering awards, prizes or gift certificates to your store for those who participate.

Encourage the Reporting of Crime by Customers

Remind customers through signage that shoplifting and other criminal activity in your business affects them directly by increasing the price of your goods. Ask for their cooperation in reporting any suspicious behavior they observe while shopping. Leave a phone number they can call if they would like to report it anonymously, if necessary. Offer a reward for any tips that lead to arrest and prosecution for a crime against your business.