Crime Prevention

On this month’s Crimecall Sergeant Graham Kavanagh highlighted crime prevention advice in relation to the opening of retail outlets after the relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions.  

Sergeant Kavanagh discussed the following checklist: 

• Perimeter Security

1. Check all entry points (doors, windows, fences, roof) to ensure they have not been tampered with or become damaged.
2. Check that all locks still work and are secured.
3. Make sure all lighting works.
4. Remove the means to commit crime – e.g. climbing aids such as ladders and wheelie bins. 

• Intruder Alarm

1. Test your security system.
2. When was it last serviced?
3. Is the alarm grade sufficient to meet your security needs?
4. Review the list of key holders and procedures.
5. Make sure PIR’s have not been obstructed by covid signage or screens.

•  CCTV

4. Check that all CCTV cameras work, are in focus and are not obstructed by Covid signage or screens (or foliage externally).
5. Check DVR security (including staff access) and check the time on the system - summertime
6. The fact customers will now be wearing masks, and possibly headwear, good quality CCTV is important 

• Staff

1. Have you employed new staff? Have they received any crime prevention awareness training?
2. Scams and Frauds – e.g. fake notes (look-tilt-feel) or change scams etc.
3. Opening & Closing procedures
4. Keys – are there ex-staff who still have keys to the premises?
5. Review cash handling procedures
6. Dealing with customers – e.g. refusing to wear covid masks or verifying age for purchase of alcohol. 

• Stock

1. Covid has hindered the ability to ‘meet and greet’ customers. Retailers may need to re-position high value stock or consider electronic tagging.
2. Temptation to fill shop floor to quickly sell old stock – this may block lines of sight and creating hiding places – keep it tidy.
3. Stock room security.

Sergeant Kavanagh noted other information in relation to businesses: 

• Although retail crime is down 26% since Covid-19 restrictions began, this still equates to approximately €2.5million worth of goods stolen.

The figures were €3.5million in 2019 and €9.5million in total since 2018 (GSAS). 

• When retail opens up again it is not unreasonable to expect large percentage increases in retail crime given the low base during Covid-19 restrictions. 

• The Central Bank Governor has predicted 1 in 4 SMEs will close following the pandemic. 98% of all registered businesses are SME’s,(companies with less than 250 employees) of these 90% are micro SME’s with 10 employees or less. These businesses may not have the finances to employ security experts, but the information An Garda Síochána provides and in particular the Crime Prevention Officer can at least mitigate this worry for these businesses.   

• The main advice for businesses is contained in the Government’s Work Safely Protocol – see https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/bb7fd-work-safely-protocol/. 

• The Health & Safety Authority has published a number of associated templates, checklists and posters – see https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/covid-19_coronavirus_information_and_resources/covid-19_business_supports/business_supports/work_safely_templates_checklists_and_posters/ 

• Fundamentally, all businesses should continue to protect themselves and others by following public health advice. The main theme of this phase of reopening is “Think Safe, Think Outdoors”.