Shops and businesses in Warwickshire are being asked to review their security so that they are less vulnerable to crime after a number of incidents near shops and businesses in Warwickshire recently.
Two robberies occurred over the weekend – one at a business in Exhall; and another at a pub/hotel in Rugby.
George Stepney, Crime Prevention Manager, said “Thieves and robbers may look to shops and businesses to provide them with extra cash. Shops can be vulnerable to robbery, especially at closing times so officers are urging shop managers to make sure that they bank their cash regularly and have sufficient staff on hand to deter criminals who may be mixed in with last minute shoppers. Shop staff are also urged to keep handbags and mobiles locked or hidden out of sight.
“Shops selling high value goods such as jewellery are urged to increase staffing to cover the door to screen people entering and exiting the shop. In particular, take special care not to be distracted when offering high value items for inspection by potential customers even if you think they are cash buyers and your guard drops – check the item back into stock before the customer leaves the store.”
In Lapworth recently a member of the public reported seeing a suspicious vehicle containing two males in the area of local shops and were concerned at their behaviour. A suspicious vehicle was also seen near a business in Coleshill and reported by people working there. Police are using this as an opportunity to remind shops, businesses and the public to call 999 if you see anyone acting suspiciously around a shop or business. If you get the opportunity and it is safe to do so, please use your mobile phone to take a picture and note people and vehicle descriptions.
To deter burglars when businesses are shut overnight or at the weekend, Warwickshire Police has also issued the following crime prevention advice to help businesses protect their property and belongings.
Do not leave cash on the premises
Leave till drawers open or remove them so a potential thief can see there’s nothing to steal
Close andlock internal and external doors
Remove spare door keys from the premises, or lock them away securely.
Check all windowsare locked and closed.
If possible, lock away valuable property.
If on site parking is available, leave vehicles on your premises.
Remove vehicle keys from the premises or lock them away securely.
Log your valuable property items on immobilise the national property data base.
Check your insurance covers damageto the premises especially if you have an in store cash machine
Consider visiting the premises to move from view any post that may have been delivered when you are closed.
Do not leave any rubbish outside your premises that could be used to start a fire.
Remove any item left outside which might help a criminal to break in.
Ensure your key holder list with Police Safe is up to date.
Ensure you have updated your internal key holder details and call out lists.
Back up all your computer systems and store a copy of your data off premises.
Ensure your computer virus software is updated before downloading email or using the internet.
Advice
You can download this advice as a PDF file by clicking this link.
