Crime & Safety

Safety Tips for Businesses from San Mateo Police

Last week at least one suspect burglarized a number of San Mateo businesses within less than two blocks of each other.

Following a recent spate of commercial burglaries in the area of El Camino Real and 25th Avenue, the San Mateo Police Department has released safety tips and crime prevention tips for local businesses.

Editor's Note: The following information was supplied by the San Mateo Police Department.

Safety Tips for Businesses

Ninety percent of burglary prevention is physical security. If your complex is locked up an unauthorized entry is made difficult, time consuming, noisy and visible, chances of a successful burglary are kept to a minimum. The burglar will pass up your business and look for an easier target.

Think like a criminal and go over your entire business in fine detail, looking for any means of entrance or criminal opportunity. Do this physically and also with your building blueprints in order to discover any weaknesses.

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Crime Prevention Tips

• Locks on all outside entrances and inside security doors should be double cylinder deadbolts with movable collars that are recessed in the door. The deadbolt should have at least a 1” throw containing a case hardened steel insert and protected by a latch guard. Check with the fire department for safety requirements.

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• Padlocks should be made of case hardened steel, mounted on bolted hasps and always locked to prevent exchange. Serial numbers should be filed off to prevent new keys being made.

• Doors (outside and security) should be of solid construction, metal lined and secured with heavy metal crossbars. Jams around the doors must be solid and all exposed hinges should be pinned to prevent removal.

• Windows should have secure locks or burglar-resistant glass.

• Good visibility should be maintained through windows, and all expensive items should be removed from window displays during closed hours.

• Lights must provide optimum visibility for both inside and outside and consideration should be given to installing vandal-proof lenses over lights. The entire perimeter should be well lit, especially around doors and other entry points.

• Alarm system should be supplied by a licensed alarm company with a central monitoring station. Check the system on a regular basis and advertise its presence to deter break-ins.

• Cash register should be kept in plain view from outside the building so it can be easily monitored and should be left open when empty.

(Source - St. Petersburg, FL Police “Business Watch Handbook”)


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