Oct. 6 Crime Prevention Tip: Robbery Prevention

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. 6 are about robbery prevention.

Office Security

• Never leave your purse or wallet in plain view or in the pocket of a jacket that is left unattended.
• Personal property should be marked with your name or driver's license number.
• Don’t leave cash or valuables at the office.
• When in an elevator with another person, stand near the control panel. If attacked, press the alarm and as many of the control buttons as possible. Be alert to pickpockets on crowded elevators.
• If you work alone before or after normal business hours, keep the office door locked.  Call for a police escort when you get ready to leave.
• Be aware of escape routes for emergencies and post the emergency number (911) near the telephone.

Report all suspicious persons and activities to the proper authorities, such as your manager, security, or the sheriff’s department.

Finally, if a crime does occur, call 911.

• Allow police to become familiar with your facility.
• Practice good crime prevention.
• Be “law enforcement friendly”.
• Utilize local associations to keep abreast of current trends.