Security is an important part of business management. It's just as important as inventory control, advertising, pricing, and location. Good security practices can save money and time and make your business less of a target for the criminal.

Make your business uninviting to a burglar by using lighting inside and outside. Lighting should cover areas like entrances, windows, and alleys. Inside the business it is important to use lighting to reduce hiding places for thieves.

Make it difficult for burglars to get inside your business. Use heavy, solid doors, and use your locks and alarm systems properly. Made sure that skylights, vents, loading docks, sidewalk grilles, or other openings can be secured.

Other tips:

• Do not keep large amounts of cash on the premises.
• Make bank deposits at varying times of the day.
• Alarm systems can be very helpful as deterrents and in helping to catch burglars as long as they are properly installed, used correctly by employees, and maintained.
• Report suspicious activity and persons to the Police.

Free crime prevention assistance for city businesses is available from the Fridley Police Department. A specially developed program provides suggested crime prevention techniques you may implement to reduce your chances of becoming a burglary, larceny, robbery, rape or fraud victim. A crime prevention specialist can conduct a security survey of your business, and make crime prevention presentations to your employees as well as business and professional groups. For crime prevention assistance, visit the Police Department in the lower level of City Hall, 6431 University Avenue NE, or contact Fridley Police Crime Prevention.

Free informational brochures are available on topics including bad checks, theft, burglary, suspicious activity, shoplifting, fraud, and robbery.