Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott declared the month of October Crime Prevention Month. The sheriff's department will provide citizens with daily tips for preventing crime. The tips for Oct. 13 are about business safety.
SUITABLE LOCKS
A pin tumbler cylinder lock provides the best security.
(Locksmiths caution that a burglar can easily pick a lock with less than five pins.)
Dead Bolt Locks - when you use a double cylinder dead lock, the door cannot be opened without a key on either side.
Safeguarding entranceways, especially the rear door cannot be over emphasized. Have all locks properly installed.
KEY CONTROL
Avoid the danger of key duplication.
Keep and up-to-date key distribution list of those to whom keys have been issued.
Whenever a key is lost or an employee leaves without turning in a key, re-key your store.
Have one key and lock for outside doors and a different key and lock for your office.
Have a code for each key so that it does not have to be visibly tagged and only
an authorized person can know the specific lock that key fits.
Do not use a key chain with a tag carrying the store's address.
Take periodic inventory of keys.
BURGLAR ALARMS
The silent central station burglar alarm system gives your business the best protection.
LIGHTING
Flood your business with light - outside and inside
SAFE
Be sure the safe in which you keep your money and other valuables is strong enough to deter burglars.
The safe area should be well lighted all night.
Bolt the safe to the building structure.
Never leave the combination to your safe on business premises.
Change the combination when an employee who knows it leaves your firm.
MONEY
Bank all excess cash each day.
EQUIPMENT
Leave cash register drawer(s) empty and open at night.
INVENTORY
Keep a complete inventory of all merchandise by description, brand name and serial number Keep a copy of your inventory at your office and at home.
CONTACT
For emergencies (fire, burglary, or unsecured doors that cannot be secured) have three contact numbers on file with Columbia Central Communication, so you can be notified because of emergencies and/or suspicious activities on your business property.
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