During the month of September Central Plains RCMP have responded to numerous reports of break and enters and attempted break and enters to businesses both within and outside of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
Suspects damaged windows or doors to gain entry and in some instances tampered with alarm systems to attempt to gain entry to the businesses.
As officers continue to investigate each incident, Central Plains RCMP remind business owners to be vigilant on implementing and maintaining crime reduction strategies.
There are numerous steps businesses can take to assist in making their businesses more secure and reduce crime.
• Have the checkout counter near the front of the store, so that employees can monitor activities inside and outside the store.
• Keep trees near the building well-trimmed and secure fire escape ladders so that they cannot be used to access the roof.
• Clear landscaping that can provide cover or hiding places.
• Keep the area around the building well lit, and visible to the street.
• Do not use large displays or posters that would cover the windows.
• Keep the building, especially the rear, well-lit at night.
• Keep loading areas free of large objects that could hide people.
• When closing your business for the evening, empty out your cash drawer, and leave it open, so that they can be seen from outside to be empty.
• Consider installing an alarm system.
If you are considering installing an alarm system, consider including a panic button, and having a monitored alarm where if the alarm is activated, police will be contacted.
Keep a complete and up-to-date inventory of your merchandise and store equipment, and keep a copy in a location away from your business.
Sometimes even the smallest actions, such as getting together with the other businesses in your area and agree to watch out for suspicious activity, are beneficial to help keep the business community safer.
Anyone with information about these types of crimes are asked to contact the Central Plains RCMP at 857-4445 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
