Lessen the Opportunities for the Criminals

Take control of what happens in your business community and lessen your chances of becoming a victim. Through "Business Watch," you will be making crimes against yourself and your fellow business neighbors as difficult as possible.

What is Business Watch?

Business Watch is a crime prevention program that enlists the active participation of business owners, managers, and employees in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their work environment. It is designed to:

• Protect you, your business and your employees.
• Provide a networking system between businesses that quickly and accurately disseminates information.
• Establish partnerships between local businesses and law enforcement.

What are the Benefits of participating in Business Watch?

• Promoting communication and understanding between law enforcement and the business community.
• Encouraging cooperation between neighboring merchants.
• Teaching merchants to crime-proof their own properties and to watch over neighboring businesses and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
• Developing a telephone tree system for quick dissemination of information regarding criminal activity in the area.
• Encouraging the development of signals to activate in adjacent businesses when someone needs help

How do I start a Business Watch?

• Call a meeting with nearby merchants / businesses. Arrange for a Crime Prevention Specialist to attend and ask to discuss BUSINESS WATCH and crime prevention techniques with your group. Decide on the next meeting; make this an ongoing prevention program.
• Invite speakers to regularly schedule meetings for crime prevention tips and planning group strategies. Internal or employee crime should be one of the first topics for discussion.

How do I learn more about Business Watch?

• Local law enforcement provides a variety of resources to help you learn more about crime prevention.
• For more information, or if you have questions, please contact our Crime Prevention Specialists in your area.

For more information, please call:
Crime Prevention Specialist North
510.293.7151

Crime Prevention Specialist South
510.293.1043