There were an estimated 7,694,086 property crimes in the United States in 2018. This was a decrease of 3.3 percent from the 2017 estimate. Property crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The estimated rate of property crime in the United States in 2018 was 2,362 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants.
Burglary is defined as the unlawful entry into a structure to commit a felony or theft. In 2018, the estimated number of burglaries was 1,654 282 (a decrease of 4.0 percent from 2017). Larceny-theft is defined as the unlawful taking of another person’s property without their permission with the intent.
Property crimes can occur in any setting, but offices can be especially vulnerable. Burglars may target offices because they know that valuable items are often stored there, such as electronics or jewelry. Some may even target it for office equipment such as computers. If burglars know there is sufficient money from an office, they will likely prioritize it over residential homes.
Larcenists may also target offices because they know that employees often leave their belongings unguarded for a while. Office managers should take steps to protect their businesses from these crimes. Employees should also be cautious about leaving their belongings unattended and report any suspicious activity. Here are many other ways you can protect your office from crime.
Keep valuables out of sight
Burglars and larcenists look for the most valuable scores. If they can see a good score in hindsight, then they’ll likely aim for those over anything else.
If your office has a lot of valuables, especially those coming from exhibits or shows, then criminals are likely to give your office an attempt. The same situation can happen if they know your employees’ store valuables in the office.
To avoid this, it’s essential to have your employees store their valuables in a locked drawer or cabinet. If possible, keep these in a room that can be locked. You should also invest in safes for precious items such as cash, electronics, and jewelry. Of course, the best way to avoid this is to tell your employees never to bring any valuables in the first place.
It’s also essential to keep any high-value items out of plain sight. If criminals can see it, they’ll be more likely to target your office.
Implement a security system
A security system with cameras and an alarm can help deter burglars from targeting your office.
Install security cameras
Cameras are one of the best ways to protect your office from crime. They serve as a visual deterrent and can help you identify criminals if a crime does occur.
When choosing security cameras for your office, you should keep a few things in mind. First, choose cameras that have good night vision to record footage even in low-light conditions. You should also make sure that the cameras are weatherproof to withstand outdoor conditions.
You should also place cameras in high-traffic areas such as entrances and exits. This will give you a better chance of capturing footage of criminals as they enter and exit your office.
Install an alarm system
An alarm system is another effective way to deter burglars from targeting your office. When an alarm goes off, it will notify the police and scare away the criminal.
You should keep in mind a few things when choosing an alarm system for your office. First, make sure that the alarm has a loud sound heard throughout the building. You should also choose an alarm with a backup battery in case of a power outage.
Finally, make sure to test the alarm system regularly to ensure it is working correctly.
Install locks on all doors and windows
Installing locks on doors and windows will make it more difficult for burglars to enter your office. If you can, install electric mortise locks for better crime deterrence. Also, make sure to keep all doors and windows locked. This will make it more difficult for burglars to enter your office.
You should also keep a record of the serial numbers of all your locks to replace them if they are ever stolen or damaged.
Train employees on crime prevention
Your employees are your best line of defense against crime. They should be aware of the common scams and tricks used by criminals to avoid becoming a victim.
Your employees should also be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity immediately. Training your employees on crime prevention can help keep your office safe from crime.
Have an emergency plan
In the event of a break-in, everyone in the office should know what to do and where to go. This will help to ensure that everyone is safe and that the police are notified as soon as possible.
Your emergency plan should include a safe room where employees can go if there is an intruder in the office. The safe room should have a lockable door and a way to contact the police. Everyone in the office should know the location of the safe room and how to get there.
Get insurance
Insurance can help cover the cost of any damages that may occur during a burglary. It can also help to replace any items that are stolen.
When choosing insurance for your office, make sure to get coverage for the replacement value of your belongings. This will ensure that you are fully compensated if anything is stolen.
Property crimes can be a major inconvenience to businesses and their employees. However, by taking some simple precautions, you can help reduce the risk of these crimes occurring. Implement a security system, keep valuables out of sight, and encourage employees to be cautious. If you have any questions about crime prevention, please contact your local police department.