Tips: Preventing Office Crime

  • Jan 18, 2008

The National Crime Prevention Council offers tips to keep crime out of the workplace.

  • Keep your purse, wallet, keys, or other valuable items with your at all times or locked in a drawer or closet.
  • Check the identity of any strangers who are in your office -- ask whom they are visiting and if you can help them find that person. Don’t forget to request identification from service or utility workers as well. If this makes you uncomfortable, inform security or management about your suspicions.
  • Do not allow visitors to be alone in your office space. Be sure to provide an escort at all times.
  • Be discreet. Don’t advertise your social life or vacation plans and those of your co-workers to people visiting or calling your place of work.

Check the Locks and Doors

  • Good locks are the first line of defense. Volunteer to lead a team of employees to work with management to ensure the physical security of your workplace.
  • Check for high security locks, such as Medeco®, or electronic access control units on all doors -- closets that have private information or hazardous materials, outside doors, basements, are a few to consider.
  • Verify that any electronic access control unit in use has secure key bypass using patented control of duplication of keys. Any access control unit is only as good as its mechanical override devices.
  • Make sure all doors are solid. Look for sheet steel on both sides of back and basement doors.
  • Make sure doorframes and hinges are strong enough that they cannot be pried open.
  • Lock steel bars or door barriers with high security padlocks that have a hardened steel body and shackle to resist drills, hammers, blowtorches, and bolt cutters.
  • Be certain all windows are secure.
  • If doors only have a locking knob or lever, install or have installed, a deadbolt for additional security.
  • Have management change locks before you move into a new office unless they can account for all keys and provide assurance that keys have not been made without their knowledge.
  • Don’t assume someone else has reported a door, window, or lock that is broken or not working properly. Report these problems immediately.

Check the Lights

  • Your workplace should be protected with proper lighting.
  • Install motion sensitive as well as constant outside lights.
  • Illuminate dark places around the building by trimming shrubs, adding lighting, etc.
  • Leave some interior lights on even when the business is closed.

Check the Common Trouble Spots

  • Reception area -- Is the receptionist equipped with a panic button for emergencies, a camera with a monitor at another employee’s desk, and a high security lock on the front door that can be controlled?
  • Stairwells and out-of-the-way corridors -- Don’t use the stairs alone. Talk to the building manager about improving poorly lighted corridors and stairways.
  • Elevators -- Don’t get into elevators with people who look out of place or behave in a strange or threatening manner. If you find yourself in an elevator with someone who makes you nervous, get off as soon as possible. 3
  • Restrooms -- Make sure restrooms are locked with high security locks and only employees have keys. Be extra cautious when using restrooms that are isolated or poorly lighted.
  • Mailrooms -- Is the mailroom accessible only to authorized personnel? Do all employees know what the signs of suspicious mail include? (Refer to the USPS document Best Practices for Mail Center Security for additional information.)
  • After hours -- Don’t work late alone. Let someone know where you are and how long you intend on staying. Create a buddy system for walking to parking lots or public transportation or ask security to escort you. Never open the door to a stranger after hours.
  • Parking lots or garages -- Choose a well-lighted, well-guarded parking garage. If your building has its own garage, work with your facility manager if you do not feel safe. Always lock your car and roll the windows up all the way. If you notice any strangers hanging around the parking lot, notify security or the police. When you approach the car, have the key ready. Check the floor and front and back seats before getting in. Lock your car as soon an as you get in -- before you buckle your seat belt. Write down the license number of any vehicle involved in a possible crime.

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