Alarms Put your safe and cash register up front so

Before you invest in an alarm system, that the burglar’s activity will be visible from Fort Wayne Police
weigh the cost against your need. the outside. Empty your cash drawers and
How valuable is your merchandise?
leave them open so a burglar will not be Department
tempted to break them open. Anchor safes in
How great is your risk? concrete, and make sure they have
combination locks. Put locks on all interior
After installing an alarm, let burglars
doors and hook them into your alarm
know by putting warning signs in
system. (Always check fire regulations
windows and entrances. before installing such locks.)
Every alarm system should include:
Fail-safe battery backup
If you suspect a burglary
Fire sensing capability
Don’t enter; burglar may be inside
Feedback device to check the system.
Do not open for business; employees
and customers may unwittingly alter
Guards
Join neighboring businesses to hire a
uniformed guard from a reputable security
valuable evidence.

Call the police immediately.

Burglary
Prevention
company. Check references. The security
staff should be familiar with your
employees, your store hours and your For further information on this program
shoplifting and internal theft devices. and other crime prevention material,
write or call:

Fort Wayne Police Department

Remember
Locks and alarms cannot prevent a burglary Crime Prevention Unit
unless they are in use. Establish a routine 1 E. Main Street, Suite 108
for “closing up shop”, locking doors and Fort Wayne, IN 46802
windows, and setting up alarms. (260) 427-5999

If a burglar breaks in Fort Wayne Police Department

Your best protection against an intruder is 1 E. Main Street, Suite 108
visibility: well-lit open spaces, low counters, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
and large, uncluttered display windows- www.fwpd.org
these precautions keep the burglar in the
spotlight. Non-emergency: (260)427-1222

Emergency: CALL 911

Barriers to Burglary Doors should be equipped with emergency exit
Burglary is a crime of opportunity. Make the features: window guards should be
Locks: the strongest are deadbolt
burglar’s work risky and difficult, and you removable or hinged to allow for an
locks with long screws in the strike
stand a good chance of stopping them before emergency exit. Keys to locked windows
plates. Make sure the bolt is long
they get in. or doors should be nearby.
enough to go all the way into the
strike plate.
Your first line of defense Routines
To a burglar visibility Hinges: Doors that swing out have Develop a daily routine of locking up your
means vulnerability. They hinges on the outside. A burglar can home. Always check garage doors are
hide behind fences and easily remove the hinge pins and lift closed before dark
shrubbery. The key is to the door out. To foil this, remove the
keep trespassers out headless screw on one side. When the Combat “Porch Pirates”
while keeping your door is closed, the end of the pin will Arrange for a neighbor who may
property visible. Use picket or chain link fit into the opposite hole. Thus, even be home during the day to pick up
fences. Keep hedges trimmed to limit hiding if the pins are removed, the door will a delivered package.
places. Consider updating landscaping near remain bolted to the frame. Have packages delivered to your
windows with thorny shrubbery. Make sure you work instead of home.
address is easily seen in case of emergency.
Windows Key Control
Keep drapes closed when Because any lock gives way to a key,
Documentation
not at home. Protect practice good key control.
Keep a complete up-to-date inventory of windows by putting grates,
your merchandise and property: Office grillwork or bars over them, Label keys with a code, indicating
machinery, personal belongings, etc. or cover glass on the inside if back door, receiving door,
Document serial numbers of property. with a clear polycarbonate display case, etc.
Document IMEI number on cellular sheet. The sheet should Engrave “Do not Duplicate” on all
devices. extend 1-1/2 inch beyond keys.
Take photographs of any jewelry (from the perimeter of the glass
multiple angles). and be bolted to the door. Space the bolts Restrict key-access to your most
Store documentation in safe location, approximately every 3 inches. Unbreakable trusted employees; maintain a log
away from home or business. Best to safety glass is also available, but is more to record removal and return.
store on thumb drive and not on expensive.
computer/laptop. Lighting
Lighting is a great crime
On the outside looking in Other entrances deterrent. Update or repair
Burglars try the doors and windows first. Skylights, ventilation ducts, and fire escapes outside lighting if needed. Light
If burglars have difficulty there, changes tempt burglars because these openings up all dark areas, especially
are they will move on to another property. usually are not visible from the street. around doors and windows. If
Be sure to breakdown any packaging left Protect skylights and ducts with metal grates your business is in a poorly lit
for trash pick-up. You do not want to and iron bars. The first stair of a fire escape commercial area, join with
advertise what you have purchased to the should be too high for the average adult to other merchants to petition
criminals. reach from the ground. local government for more
Do not leave valuables in your car. lights or pool funds and
The door or window leading to the escape underwrite the cost yourselves.