Another Burglary In Downtown Bozeman – How To Protect Your Business And Yourself

Once again, a downtown business was burglarized sometime during last night or early this morning.  Bozeman Police released this information on how to protect your business and yourself:

Unfortunately, it is hard to catch burglars in the act.

While burglaries seem random in nature, there is a simple selection process. Commercial burglaries are often crimes of opportunity that occur after your business closes. With a few simple steps, you can take an active role in reducing your risk of becoming a victim.

First, consider how your property looks from the burglar’s view.  The outward appearance and security of the building may determine if a business will be burglarized.  An unlocked door or open window is an opportunity for a burglar to strike.  Every opening represents a potential security breach and should be inspected. Update or install locks, lighting and alarms.

Second, establish a closing routine or check list to make sure employees lock doors, windows and set the alarm. Build a rapport with nearby business owners to discuss problems or nuisances and then identify solutions that benefits everyone.

If you see someone suspicious lurking around your business, call 911 immediately.  Keep an eye on the suspect and give the dispatcher as many details as possible, such as the person’s clothing description, vehicle description, and last known direction of travel.  If possible, stay on the phone with the dispatcher as long as you can, relaying information about what you are witnessing.  Being able to pass important information to the police in a timely manner increase the chances of apprehending the person.  To protect yourself or others, never confront a suspicious person or situation as If you witness a burglary or see someone suspicious, call 911 immediately. Keep an eye on the suspect and give the dispatcher as many details as possible, such as the person's clothing description, vehicle description and last known direction of travel. If possible, stay on the phone with the dispatcher as long as you can, relaying information about what you are witnessing. Being able to pass this information on to the police sooner than later greatly increases the chances of apprehending the person.aptops, CD/DVD players, game consoles, watches, guns and small electronic devices.aptops, CD/DVD players, game consoles, watches, guns and small electronic devices.

If you witness a burglary or see someone suspicious, call 911 immediately. Keep an eye on the suspect and give the dispatcher as many details as possible, such as the person's clothing description, vehicle description and last known direction of travel. If possible, stay on the phone with the dispatcher as long as you can, relaying information about what you are witnessing. Being able to pass this information on to the police sooner than later greatly increases the chances of apprehending the person.

To protect yourself or others, never confront a suspicious person or situation as this may be dangerous to you and others. Instead, call 911 immeidiately.

Protect yourself and make your home or business a less likely target with the following tips:this may be dangerous to you or others.  Instead, call 911 immediately!

The Bozeman Police Department can meet with you or your employees to discuss ways to protect your business from being an easy target.  Below are some recommendations to decrease the chances of your business being burglarized:

Bright Ideas:

• Light is one of the best crime deterrents.

• Install lights by all entry doors and exterior sides of your business, including the alley and parking lot, if possible.

• Install outside light fixtures where bulbs are bright and hard to reach or break.

• Leave low-watt lights on inside your business at night when it’s closed – burglars aren’t usually going to enter a well-lit business.

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Doors & Locks:

• Keep in mind that locks are not burglar proof, they just make entry harder.  Always use high quality locks.

• Install strike plates and cylinder guards to slow down forced entry.

• Use dead bolt door locks on exterior doors and double cylinder dead bolt locks with 1” throw bolts are preferred.

• Use heavy duty solid construction doors for rear or service access points.

Landscaping:

• When staking out a business, burglars like to hide behind bushes when cars or people approach, so trim tree branches 5-7 feet off the ground.

• Use motion sensors on exterior floodlights.

Windows:

• Ensure all windows are closed and locked at the end of the business day.

• Remove merchandise from display windows at night.

• Install burglar-resistant glass, wire mesh or even iron bars on windows, especially in low-lit areas or on windows in the alley.

• Rearrange merchandise so employees have unobstructed views outside the business.

• Windows should offer light and visibility – not easy access.

Alarm Systems:

• Alarms are an entry detection and notification tool – not a physical barrier.

• Research alarm companies and find a system which best fits your needs.

• Always hire a professional alarm company to install your alarm.

• Have clearly visible alarm signage.

• Test your alarm system regularly to make sure it is working properly.

•Train your staff to avoid false alarms and to take the system seriously.

• Always respond to your business if your alarm company calls to tell you it has been activated.  Many times, the owner or employee of a business will not respond to the business after an activated alarm.