Business tip: Good customer service prevents crime

Maintaining quality customer service isn’t just a good business practice, it helps prevent crime.

Joi-Ashli Gibbs, a crime prevention specialist with the Maricopa Police Department, gave this advice to local business professionals who attended the July 11 monthly breakfast meeting hosted by the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce. Her presentation focused on business safety and crime prevention tips.

“If you give (customers) attention, they’re less likely to take an opportunity,” she said.

Gibbs called it “aggressive customer service” – being present to assist the customer while maintaining a vigilant eye on that person’s actions.

“You’re not following the person around, but you are there for their assistance (and) you are also eliminating opportunities for theft,” she said.

Gibbs offered Ace Hardware in Maricopa as a prime example. The business has employees positioned throughout the store – at the entrance, in the aisles and at the registers.

“You are not going to get out of that store with something you shouldn’t have,” she said. “Not everybody can do that, but it’s aggressive customer service.”

During the presentation, Gibbs and Maricopa Police Chief Steve Stahl offered various tips to help local business owners deter crime at their stores.

• Before and after regular business hours, do not keep the doors open, even if you’re inside. Always keep the doors locked.
• Make a policy that does not allow backpacks into the store.
• Don’t let employees talk on cellphones during business hours. This not only increases productivity, but also keeps employees aware of suspicious activity.
• Keep the store shelves properly stacked, so missing items are more noticeable.
• Make sure products placed near the front door are always in view.
• In the event of a shoplifting, call police and be able to give a good description of the person and vehicle (including license plate). Don’t approach someone who might be dangerous.
• Keep the amount of money in the cash register low.
• Do not go to the bank at the same time every day. Do not label a bag where cash is stored.
• Keep windows clear as possible so police and people nearby can see any suspicious activity.