Neighborhood Watch program offers tips for business owners

Business Owners and Managers: Fraud, forgeries, scams and counterfeiting are on the increase. Fraud artists have 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to dream up ways to cheat you.

Check bills closely (10’s, 20’s, 50’s and 100’s especially), remember that marking pens are not always reliable. Learn characteristics of counterfeit bills at this site; www.secretservice.gov/know_your_money.shtml.

Confirm checks with the issuing bank.

Always require a valid picture ID (state ID or driver’s license) with checks. Inspect traveler’s checks and money orders closely.

Both are being counterfeited daily.

The number to verify American Express Travelers Checks is

1-800-525-7641. Require valid picture ID with all inside credit card purchases.

Make sure security cameras are in working order and at least one has a clear view of the checkout area. Be sure that displays do not obstruct camera views in this area.

Advise your employees to be alert for suspicious persons loitering in the parking lot or inside the store. The time to call law enforcement is when you spot a suspicious person or vehicle.

Do not wait until they rob you.

Try to arrange for more than one employee to be on duty at a time.

Robbers like stores where clerks are working alone. Remove displays and signs near or on windows, which block the view from the parking lot into the store.

Vary deposit times and try to have someone accompany or follow the employee making the deposit.

Do not block the storefront windows with displays, merchandise or banners. Keep the view into your business clear so that passing motorists, pedestrians and especially law enforcement can see that you are safe.

Consider installing theft resistant glass such as laminated glass. Laminated glass is shatter resistant and will slow down or discourage thieves who attempt to enter your business rather than shatter and fall to the floor. Burglar bars on doors and windows are less attractive but very effective especially for stores in rural or less traveled areas.

Update your video surveillance system.

If you can’t clearly see a suspect on one of your tapes neither can investigators.

Have one tape for each day of the month and file them according to date.

Consider digital recording systems.

Remember, the only bad phone call is the one you didn’t make.

If we catch one suspect out of every 10 suspicious activity calls, our team is a success.

To join or start a Business Watch in your area; call or email the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Section Bob Mahon at 822-3555.