Prevention in work environments

Situational prevention.

For many victims, business robbery, in economic terms, generates serious damage, because it impacts—in the best of cases—on their source of income. Business owners, of any size, also face the possibility of suffering armed robberies, crimes considered “white collar”, which can even be committed by people from within the company itself. It is necessary to materially, strategically and psychologically prevent the possibility of a criminal act that implies the risk—even—of suffering human and material losses. Based on this prevention, consider the following recommendations.

1.- Environmental design. Crimes are less likely to be committed if offenders believe that they are likely to be being watched or if entry is difficult for the offender or escape routes are obstructed. Ensure natural visibility, natural and mechanical access control.

2.- Alarms. Install, to the extent of your possibilities, a comprehensive alarm system that allows you to detect the opening of doors, breaking glass or movement in restricted areas, ideally connected to a central unit with monitoring and that, in the event of an emergency, has assault buttons or panic, located in strategic places.

3.- Monitoring/video surveillance systems. Invest in closed circuit video surveillance, there are different technologies and prices, ideally with 24-hour recording and with cameras strategically installed outside and inside the business. The cameras must cover the access, the pedestrian entrance and all those that are considered susceptible to preventive surveillance.

4.- Perimeter protection. Physical protection with bars and structural elements continues to be highly effective. There are also electronic barriers.

5.- Lighting. Install and use lights at all exterior doors, common areas and hallways. The lights should illuminate the entire area evenly without creating shadow cones or dark spaces. Make sure parking lots and crosswalks are well lit.

6.- Safety signs and announcements. Place signs outside and inside the business or company, such as: “Alarm connected to Central”, “Alarm monitored 24 hours a day”, “Video surveillance system”, “Cash is not handled in this place”, “Employees do not “They have access to the safe,” “High denomination bills are not accepted,” etc. It may not seem like it, but in many situations they fulfill their purpose.

7.- Safety devices. Acquire, whenever you can, ultraviolet light lamps and other technologies to detect counterfeit bills.

8.- Order and cleanliness. Keep in mind that scattered trash, overflowing trash cans, and lights that don't work create an “anything goes” atmosphere that can lead to unwanted behavior. A clean and properly maintained space shows that the owner does care about what happens on his property.

Preventive measures at work ►

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