Grande Prairie RCMP is offering up a few tips for business owners to help keep their property safe after a number of break-ins around the city.
While not offering any specifics as to which businesses have been burgled, Constable Melanie McIntosh believes companies big or small all face similar realities when it comes to crafty criminals.
“There are always people looking to exploit security flaws in order to get into a building and they’re coming up with any sort of way to do it. There have been smash and grabs with people just driving through the wall, and they’re always looking for a new way to commit these crimes,” she said.
Some steps business owners can take to help keep their properties safe include;
- Ensure that all surveillance systems are up-to-date and recording properly
- Contact your alarm provider and request they call 911 immediately if there is a confirmed break-in at your business
- Post notices advising that your building is secured by alarms and surveillance cameras
- Keep all exits and entrances well-lit at all times, if possible keep an interior light on after hours
- Advertise that no cash is kept on site.
McIntosh says police are currently investigating a number of incidents around the city, but she hopes the tips available can help at least protect them from potential prowlers.
“We really want business owners to be proactive and preventative because we really don’t know what they’re going to try next.”
Anyone with information regarding any of the recent break-ins is urged to call police.