Businesses that may have been forced to close for extended periods are the focus of police efforts to proactively prevent crime as the community changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ACT Policing are actively liaising with business owners and patrolling premises around Canberra.
Business owners are encouraged to register their details via the ACT Keyholder Register to improve safety procedures.
Officer in Charge of Community Safety, Detective Station Sergeant Mark Rowswell said businesses should be proactive and take certain measures to ensure they are not a target for criminals.
“Police are working with business owners to help minimise the risk of break-ins, and there are many simple steps that can deter would-be thieves.
“If you have CCTV, a security alarm and security lighting, keep them on. These can deter burglars and assist police to identify offenders if there is a break-in or an attempted break-in.
“If you don’t have CCTV, consider if now is a good time to install it. Speak with your neighbouring business to identify if cameras can be installed for a collective benefit.
“Businesses can also display clear warning signs – these can reference security features such as alarms and CCTV, or that no money or valuables are kept on site.”
The ACT Keyholder Register is a list of the names and after-hours contact details of business owners or others who have access to a business premises.
“This information is stored on the Australian Federal Police’s (AFP) confidential computer system, and is only accessed in the event police need to contact the business owner or another relevant contact person after hours,” Detective Station Sergeant Rowswell said.
“Please make sure the current business details are on the register so police can contact the relevant person to attend the premises in the event of damage from burglary, fire or other incidents that may happen after business hours.”
You can update the register using the form on the ACT Policing website.
Comprehensive information about business security can be found at ACT Policing’s Property Crime Prevention page.
Anyone with information about property crime in the community is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
