A recent upswing in crimes against St. Louis area businesses, particularly beauty supply stores, has owners asking, “How can I prevent crime at my store?” Over the summer and into fall, several St. Louis businesses have been victimized by “smash-and-grabs” that cause property damage, loss of goods and costly interruption of business operations. While there are many tools used in preventing crime, it is most frequently a combination of good crime prevention techniques and tools that make some businesses less appealing to criminals.
In the recent smash-and-grabs, thieves are crashing their vehicles into the building, so there is little that can be done to stop them. According to STL Today, in the most recent string of crimes, thieves are stealing hair extensions, liquor, electronics, cash, jewelry and coins.
- Store high value items in locked safes whenever possible
- Limit the inventory on display when shoppers are present
- Install concrete bollards to block vehicles from the store front
- Employ professionally installed high definition video surveillance to assist police in identifying and capturing thieves. Make it known that video security cameras are in use and make sure they are in good working order at all times.
While the criminals are making fast getaways and difficult to chase due to the risk of public safety, police are keeping air patrols in force to track suspects if more crimes occur in the future. Contact Butler Durrell Security for more information about ways we can help secure your property with security systems and video surveillance cameras.
