Police advise business owners on avoiding crime

Representatives from area businesses kicked off their Friday by hearing about ways to protect their workplaces from crime.

Community service officers Cody Farrow and Michael Kidd of the Cape Girardeau Police Department presented their recommendations at October's First Friday Coffee at the Isle Casino Cape Girardeau Event Center.

The first thing Farrow recommended was businesses take steps to evaluate their situation by looking at their products and identifying what types of crimes target those products. For example, a retail store might look for ways to protect against shoplifting.

Farrow said it benefits a business to report theft accurately to make it easier for the police to do their jobs.

Sometimes, Farrow said, a person might know something has been stolen but not know exactly what.

"That kind of puts us behind the 8 ball," he said.

Farrow recommended keeping accurate records, marking items, being vigilant and observant and being clear in the description of the missing item when making a report.

To combat shoplifting, Farrow said keep the store neat and organized and expensive items locked up.

"Thieves are going to target the things they're going to get the most money out of," Farrow said.

He also recommended having an employee at each point of egress.

In light of recent data breaches, Farrow warned that when it comes to choosing network protection, you get what you pay for.

"If you shortchange this, you're not going to get the protection that you would normally get," Farrow said.

He said it's important to update software as often as possible and to maintain separate public and private Wi-Fi connections.

Farrow also offered tips on protection from vandalism, employee theft, robbery and burglary, credit card fraud and workplace violence.

kwebster@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3646

Pertinent address:

777 N. Main St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.