Taking crime prevention to work

When you go to work, don’t leave your crime prevention sense at home. Almost any crime that can happen at home or in your neighborhood can happen in the workplace. Common sense prevention skills can help make life ‘at work’ safer for all!

Help prevent office theft and other crimes:

Keep your purse, wallet, keys or other valuable items with you at all times or locked in a drawer or closet.

Check the identity of any strangers who are in your office – ask whom they are visiting and if you can help them find that person. If this makes you uncomfortable, inform security or management about your suspicions.

If you bring personal items to work, such as a coffee pot, a radio or a calculator, mark them with your name or initials and an identification number.

Always let someone know where you’ll be – whether it’s coming in late, working late, going to the photocopier or mail room or going out to lunch or a meeting.

Be discreet. Don’t advertise your social life or vacation plans and those of your co-workers to people visiting or calling your place of work.

Report any broken or flickering lights, dimly lit corridors, doors that don’t lock properly or broken windows. Don’t wait for someone else to do it.

Take a look at common trouble spots:

Reception area: Is the receptionist equipped with a panic button for emergencies, a camera with a monitor at another employee’s desk and a lock on the front door that can be controlled?

Stairwells and out-of-the-way corridors: Don’t use the stairs alone. Talk to the building manager about improving poorly lighted corridors and stairways.

Restrooms: Attackers can hide in stalls and corners. Make sure restrooms are locked and only employees have keys. Be extra cautious when using restrooms that are isolated or poorly lighted.

Elevators: Don’t get into elevators with people who look out of place or behave in a strange or threatening manner. If you are in an elevator with someone who makes you nervous, get off as soon as possible.

After hours: Don’t work late alone. Create a buddy system for walking to parking lots or public transportation or ask security to escort you.

Parking lots or garages: Choose a well-lighted, well-guarded parking garage. Always lock your car and roll the windows up all the way. If you notice any strangers hanging around the parking lot, notify security or the Sheriff’s Office (911). When you approach your car, have the key ready. Check the floor and both the front and back seats before getting in. Lock your car as soon as you get in – before you buckle your seatbelt.