Business Security

Download Business Security Posters

Review the security of your business frequently to ensure your property is a less appealing target for thieves. This includes looking at the exterior space and the design and layout of the interior, and ensuring employees are up to date on security policies and procedures.

Exterior

Keep your business clean, visible and well-lit to make it less attractive to thieves.

• Trim trees and shrubs near the building.
• Quickly remove any garbage and graffiti. Garbage containers should have lockable lids.
• Keep the premises visible from the street; avoid blocking windows with displays or advertisements.
• Ensure motion detector lighting reaches at least 10 meters. Lighting should limit or eliminate dark shadows around your property.
• Install a fence with a locking gate.
• Invest in outside security cameras with recording capabilities. Consider registering security cameras with the City of Surrey Project Iris to help police gather evidence more quickly.

Doors and Windows

• Doors should be equipped with deadbolts with a 1 throw.
• Protect doors from lock tampering by using door security guard plates and latch protectors.
• Use well installed bars or other window protection on windows and patio doors (e.g., anti-lift or anti-slide devices).

Interior

The layout of your interior space can play an important role in deterring crime.

• Place the checkout counter near the front of the store so employees can monitor activities inside and outside.
• Consider the use of motion sensors and audible alarms and/or surveillance cameras with internet access to verify alarms.
• Lock individual interior offices when not in use to limit unauthorized access.
• Clearly mark public and private areas and make private areas hard to access for non-employees.
• Control access to the cash register area to protect against tampering with Point of Sale terminals (i.e. Interac PIN pads).
• Provide adequate lighting and eliminate blind spots. Do not use large displays or posters that would cover the windows or hamper visibility and sight lines.
• Loading areas should be kept clean and free of large objects that could hide people.
• Make sure all entrances to the business are under constant visual surveillance. Consider installing annunciators on all unlocked doors.

Employee Safety

It’s important to provide employees with a safe working environment by establishing security policies and procedures.

• Ensure employees are trained on any security policies and procedures.
• Avoid having staff work alone, particularly at night. If this is not possible, implement a Working Alone Policy and train staff on safety procedures.
• Provide staff with training on what to do in the event of a robbery. Remind them to never argue or try to be a hero; they should cooperate fully with the robber’s demands.

Additional Management Tips

• Leave as little cash on site as possible, particularly after business hours.
• Empty cash drawers and leave them open after hours. If you must keep cash on hand, store it in a safe or strong box that is securely anchored.
• Develop and advertise a cash control policy that limits the amount of cash accessible by the cashier.
• Make frequent bank deposits, but vary your routine so as to not establish a predictable pattern.
• Try to maintain similar business hours to the stores around you. Work with neighbouring businesses to promote safety and address issues.
• Bolt racks to the floor, lock small valuables in cabinets and keep more valuable items further away from exits.
• If you discover a break-in, call the police immediately. Don’t enter the premises until police arrive. 

Business Engagement & Safety Team (BEST)

The Surrey RCMP's Business Engagement & Safety Team (BEST) is a community policing initiative that further links police and businesses in the interest of crime prevention. Surrey RCMP volunteers visit businesses across the city and provide merchants with information on how to report and proactively manage public safety issues that impact their business.

Contact BEST
Surrey_Business_Engagement@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Security Audits

To request a security assessment or CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) audit for your business, please email E_Surrey_Security_Assessments@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Crime Maps & Stats

Sign up for our Crime Stats enewsletter – you will receive monthly crime maps of break and enters and robberies in your area as well as quarterly crime statistics.