Police up patrols, give safety tips after business break-ins | News

After burglaries in which multiple local businesses had windows smashed and cash registers stolen, the Galt chief of police announced increased patrols and gave safety tips for business owners.

“Although the actual property loss has mostly been minimal, the window breaks or thefts of registers to obtain a small amount of cash can be costly,” Galt Police Department Chief Brian Kalinowski said in a statement.

Four businesses on C Street were targeted on July 5: Café Latte Co., Fancy Donuts, La Flor de Dahlia and Zesty Yogurt. Owners who spoke to the Herald described losing a sense of security and being heartened by community support.

The department reported in its daily incident bulletin that two more burglaries occurred July 16 on C Street. A window was broken at El Rodeo, and the bottom of a glass door was broken at Galt Furniture. Another burglary happened the same day at T2 Yan Chinese Food on Twin Cities Road.

Contacted for comment, Kalinowski said the July 16 break-ins “are a part of the same pattern as the earlier burglaries,” but investigators have yet to find a direct link.

In the earlier statement, Kalinowski said the department has increased patrols in the late night and early morning hours.

“In addition, our Investigations Unit continues their efforts in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for these crimes throughout our city,” he continued.

The tips include ways of making it easier for patrolling officers to see into a building at night, controlling access to the building, and training employees to recognize suspicious behavior. Department officials gave similar advice during a meeting hosted by the chamber of commerce for Galt Plaza businesses. See the full list below.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call the department’s communications center at 209-366-7000, option 1. An officer will contact callers directly.

Natural Surveillance

— Have a clear view of all areas inside the business.

— Reducing obscured areas allows employees to see or notice any suspicious activity.

— Do not cover windows with displays or signs.

— Unobstructed windows give passersby and police a clear view into the business, and ability to see anything suspicious.

— Keep exterior landscaping well maintained.

— Bushes, shrubs and flowers should be trimmed down below 3 feet.

— Trees should be trimmed up at least 7 feet.

— Light up the perimeter of your business during the night, including entrances, rear doors and dark areas. Lighting is a deterrent for someone who is tempted to commit a crime.

— The best place for outside lighting is under the eaves, illuminating the walls, and by gates and driveways.

— Keep all areas of the store interior and exterior well-lit.

Access Control

— Make public access to your business clearly marked or defined. Where possible, use landscaping to deter people from easily accessing areas not meant for public use.

— Have glass doors and low windows, strengthened with protective films or special glazing. Use a more secure deadlock on glass doors.

— Always lock any windows that open.

— For other access doors into the business, use ones that are reinforced and use deadbolts, which require burglars to have more than a basic tool to break in.

— Full length security bars on rear doors or other non-customer doors can be installed to protect the entire length of the strike jamb.

— Verify all doors and windows are locked before leaving the business.

— Consider having a closing checklist for employees to use.

Employee Training

— Attentive and helpful employees are one of the best deterrents for crime at any business.

— Remind employees to stay observant both while working and when arriving and leaving.

— Acknowledge customers when they enter or exit the store. Make eye contact as you say hello.

— Train employees to stop and question anyone who doesn’t work for the company who appears to be loitering or lost in the business, especially anyone who tries to enter back office or storage areas.

— Train employees to call the Galt Police Department immediately if they see something suspicious, or in any emergency situation.

Other Tips

— Make sure any doors that lead to private or employee-only areas within the store stay closed and locked when not actively in use.

— Have any areas not open to the public clearly marked with the appropriate signage.

— Empty registers at night and leave the register drawer empty and open; this shows potential criminals there is nothing to steal.

— Leave a few interior lights on at night to give the impression that someone may still be working.

— Don’t leave discarded boxes outside; fresh boxes may indicate that new merchandise or equipment is stocked inside.

— Break down all boxes and place them in recycling containers.

— Display more expensive items near the center of the store and not near exits. This can make “grab ‘n’ go” thefts more difficult.

— Have a policy regarding deliveries made at the business during the workday to make sure delivered items are secured immediately.