Many thefts and crimes against persons occur during regular business hours. Such crimes are usually perpetrated under the pretext of legitimate business. Many of the offenses committed when buildings are closed to the public indicate laxity in control of pass keys, security cards, and alarm systems.
Many investigations indicate that the crimes would not have been committed had office personnel been alert to strangers or taken a few simple precautions.
Remember that security depends on the cooperation and interest of each individual. Protect yourself and your assets.
- Never leave your reception area unattended. Do not allow visitors or deliverymen to pass beyond the reception area unless they are known to the receptionist or an employee who is aware of the nature of their business.
- Beware of the repairman attempting to pick up a machine for repair. Question the person, obtain identification and check with his office for verification.
- Never leave purses, wallets or other valuable items on or under desks. Keep these items out of sight.
- Do not keep cash or stamps in an unlocked drawer. Valuables should be kept in a safe, if available.
- Do not carry large sums of money. Do not leave your wallet in a jacket hung over your chair or behind your door.
- Never leave a combination safe on a day-lock position. Thieves will always turn the dial back to zero if it is in a day-lock setting. Always spin the dial when locking the safe.
- Never allow visitor traffic in storage areas. Do not make storage rooms easily accessible from the main business area.
- Be alert to persons who enter an office under the pretext of seeking employment. Keep him in your sight at all times and ask him to begin filling out an application while you phone your personnel manager.
- Immediately report all suspicious persons, peddlers, or persons purporting to be canvassing to the Management Office or call the Police at 911. Do not attempt to apprehend or detain these persons.
- Ask to see the building visitor or courier badge of any suspicious person entering your suite.
- Always secure your automobile by locking all windows and doors. Do not leave valuables in the car. Park near a light if you are working late.
- Have your car keys in your hand when leaving the office so you may enter your vehicle quickly. Be sure to lock your doors once inside. Stay clear of other parked vehicles when walking to your car.
- Quietly leave if you are surprised by an unauthorized person in your suite. Call the Police or the on-duty security officer.
- Ask unknown persons attempting to follow you into the building during security hours to use their access card at the reader or instruct them to use the Datawatch phone for assistance. Discourage "tailgating".
- Be alert for strangers loitering in the hallways. Restrict issuance of restroom keys.
- Do not enter an elevator if it is occupied by a suspicious looking person. Simply walk away.
- Inspect the locking hardware on your suite doors and restroom doors on your floor. Notify the Management Office if repair or replacement is necessary.
- Do not keep your more valuable or movable belongings near doors. Record serial numbers of merchandise and belongings.
- Change door locks and security system cards if key or cards cannot be accounted for or are missing.
- Engrave your firm's tax identification number on valuables. This will help speed their identification upon recovery and ensure their return to you. Photograph items that cannot be engraved.
- Control the issuance of security cards. Contact the Management Office to update your card access list.
- Report all lost cards to the Management Office immediately so that they cannot be used by unauthorized persons to gain entry.
- Secure your suite alarm system at the end of the day.
- Always lock your door and secure your suite alarm system from inside when working late--or early.
- Be certain that your employees who require after-hours access to the building are given Datawatch cards.
- Visitor authorizations should extend only as long as necessary.
- Cooperate with the criminal by relinquishing your money if you are the victim of a robbery. Your wallet can be replaced. Appeasing the thief with money may discourage him from physically harming you.
Presentations on burglary prevention, safety tips for women, and prevention of larcenies from office buildings are available from the Police Department.
