Crime Prevention and Security Tips - CRIME PREVENTION AT 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 your time at work safer for you and your co-workers.
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. Don't leave a purse on a desk or a wallet in a jacket that's left on a chair or coat rack.
- Never leave your keys lying about.
- If you are responsible for office keys, don't leave them on your desk or in the top drawer where they could be easily taken and copied. Keep them with you or hide them in a secure place. Establish a log out and log in system for checking out keys to those who have legitimate need for them.
- Never leave change or cash on the desk or in a top drawer. Instead, place any cash in an envelope and put it in a drawer that you can lock.
- Never put off making deposits.
- Always shred important papers before discarding them in the wastebasket.
- Never write down safe or vault combinations or computer passwords.
- Check the identification of any strangers who ask for confidential information or any deliver or repair persons who want to enter an area restricted to employees. Don't be afraid to call for verification.
- If you notice any suspicious persons or vehicles, notify police immediately. Be especially alert in large office buildings and after normal working hours.
- When you are working in an office or store after normal working hours, be sure you have closed and locked exterior doors. If you have a perimeter alarm system, leave it on for extra protection.
- Check the identity of any strangers who are in your office…ask who they are visiting and if you can help them find that person. If this makes you uncomfortable, call the police and report your suspicions.
- Keep emergency notification numbers, including police, posted near every phone. It's also a good idea to write the address of the building on or near the phone. People often forget addresses when reporting an emergency at work.
- Always let someone know where you'll be, whether it's coming in late, working late, going to the photocopier, mail room, out to lunch or in a meeting. If you have an accident, they will have an idea where you are and eventually come looking for you.
- Know your co-workers and look out for each other. Ask a friend to watch your desk while you're in another room or out for lunch and volunteer to do the same. Find someone who leaves at the same time and walk together.
- If you bring personal items to work, such as a coffeepot, radio, calculator, etc., mark them with your name or initials and an identification number.
- Report any broken or flickering lights, dimly it corridors, doors that don't lock properly, or broken windows. Don't wait for someone else to do it.
- Be discreet. Don't advertise your social life or vacation plans and those of your co-workers to people visiting or call your place of work.
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 door that can be remotely controlled?
- Stairwells and out-of-the-way corridors – Don't use the stairs alone. Stairwells can be traps as well as a way to save time or get some exercise. Never enter a stairwell to escape pursuers or potential attackers. To an area where there are other people.
- Elevators – don't get into elevators with people who look out of place or behave in a strange or threatening manner. If you find yourself in an elevator with someone who makes you nervous, get off as soon as possible.
- Restrooms – Be extra cautious when using restrooms that are in isolated locations, poorly lighted or open to the public. Attackers can hide in stalls and corners.
- After hours – Don't work late alone. Create a buddy system for walking to parking lots or public transportation or use the escort service or ask security to walk you to your car.
- Parking lots or garages – Choose a well-lighted garage or parking space. Always lock your car and roll your windows up all the way. If you notice any strangers hanging around the parking lot, notify security or the police. When you approach your car, have the door key ready. Check the floor and back seats before getting in. Lock your car as soon as you get in…before you buckle your seat belt.