If you want to fully protect your business and its employees, crime prevention must be an everyday part of your business operations. You have to think smart to stay ahead of today’s criminal. To help you accomplish this, the Leesburg Police Department provides crime prevention education and training for business owners, managers and their employees.

One way to prevent crime is to make sure that your business is as crime-proof as possible. A security survey will help you understand how proper lighting, door locks, windows, security systems, and fencing can make your business more secure. Once we complete the survey, we’ll provide you with a full written report outlining our suggestions. Security surveys are provided at no cost.

Each year retailers lose millions of dollars to theft, and it’s not just to shoplifters. Employee theft has become a major concern of retailers nationwide. We can help by assessing your retail security and providing training to your employees and managers.

In 2002 credit card fraud totaled over 1.8 billion dollars nationwide. By 2006, credit card fraud is expected to surpass 3 billion dollars. Add in worthless checks, and the amounts soar. However, with proper training your employees will be able to easily identify bogus credit cards, checks and driver’s licenses.

Contractors also lose thousands of dollars each year in thefts from construction sites. A lot of these thefts can be prevented through proper site security. A security survey of your construction site will provide recommendations on proper lighting, fencing, and storage of construction materials. Operation Identification can also help you mark and identify tools and equipment.

Just as neighborhood watches can significantly reduce crime in a residential area, a business watch can do the same. Good communication among local businesses can help track criminal trends and prevent multiple crimes by the same offender, providing a safer environment for customers and employees.

In 1968 Congress enacted the Bank Protection Act, which outlines specific requirements for bank security. The act was revised in 1991 to add additional security measures. A security survey of your bank will help you determine if you are meeting the requirements of this act. Through robbery prevention training your bank managers and employees can better understand how to protect themselves and their customers in the event of a robbery.

Each year thousands of employees are victims of workplace violence. As an employer, you are required by law to provide a workplace that is free of violence. Understanding the causes of workplace violence and how to recognize early warning signs will help managers and supervisors provide a safe working environment.

By working together with local businesses, we hope to increase awareness of crime prevention measures and take appropriate steps to make our city a safer place to live, work, shop, and play.

The Leesburg Police Department can provide education and training for businesses in each of the areas discussed in this pamphlet at no cost. To schedule a business security survey or training for managers and employees, please contact the Community Services Division. Our officers are certified in crime prevention techniques by the Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute.