The Winter Haven Police Department encourages businesses to subscribe to the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) concept as an easy way to ensure that their business is safe and secure. What is the secret to CPTED?  It is the design and layout of the business that eliminates or reduces criminal behavior and at the same time encourages people to “keep an eye out” for each other.

Burglary Prevention Tips   

• Locate checkout counters near the front of the store, clearly visible from the outside so that employees can better watch all activities

• Clearly mark public paths. Make private areas harder for non-employees to access

• Use signs to direct patrons to parking and entrances

• Prevent easy access to the roof or fire escape from the ground by trimming trees adjacent to the building. Secure roof access and fire escape ladders with locking covers

• Provide rear access to shops if rear parking is offered

• If possible, install rear windows to face parking areas for increased visibility

• Do not cover up windows with advertising or display material

• Use interior shelving and displays no higher than five feet, even lower in front of windows

• Fully illuminate the exterior of the building and grounds at night

• Design loading areas that avoid creating hiding places for people and merchandise

• Maintain clear visibility from the store to the street, sidewalk, parking areas and passing vehicles

• Place all entrances under visual surveillance

• Place any pay telephones within clear view of employees

• Consider installing an alarm system


Maintaining your property

This is an important part of your over-all security. A rundown business can attract criminals.

Follow these simple suggestions to maintain a customer-friendly business:

• Keep buildings and walks clean and repaired 

• Maintain parking areas to a high standard without pot-holes or trash

• Remove faded posters, broken signs and other displays that are beyond their useful lives

• Keep plants and all landscaping in good condition

Consider the “nuts and bolts” of security

The following are suggestions to provide a burglar-resistant environment for you and your employees:

• Utilize deadbolt locks with a minimum 1" throw bolt containing hardened, saw-resistant steel insert on all exterior doors. If you choose double cylinder deadbolts, check with your local building inspector or fire department to see if these locks are permitted.

• Pin the hinges on any exterior doors that swing out. Simply remove the center screw from each side of the hinge and insert a metal pin or headless screw on one side. This will prevent the door from being removed.

• Replace hollow-core doors with solid core doors. Replace weak door frames or reinforce them with steel or concrete. Protect glass in the door with mesh or a polycarbonate sheet.

• To secure windows, consider adding clear polycarbonate sheets. If this is too expensive, consider scroll down covers, grates or bars. Remember to check with your local fire department or building inspector on these additions.

• If you are considering purchasing an alarm system, contact several reputable companies and get a full assessment of your needs. If you do purchase an alarm system, consider adding the following features:

• Panic buttons (in case of robbery)

• Fire/smoke detectors

• Monitored system (contacts law enforcement if alarm is activated)

Burglary Prevention 

Your best protection against a burglar is visibility: well-lit open spaces, low counters, and large, uncluttered display windows. Put your cash register up front so that the burglar’s activity will be visible from the outside. When closing your business, empty your cash drawers and leave them open so a burglar won’t be tempted to break them open. Anchor safes in concrete. 

Additionally, you should:

• Contact the Winter Haven Police Department Crime Prevention Unit for a free security  survey of your business.  Also request additional information on Business Watch and Operation Identification.

• Keep a complete, up-to-date inventory of your merchandise and property: office machinery, personal belongings, etc. Put a copy in your safety deposit box or at a location away from your business site.

If you suspect your business has been burglarized:

• Immediately call your local law enforcement agency or dial 9-1-1.

• Don’t go in – the burglar may still be inside.

• Don’t open for business – your employees and customers may unwittingly destroy or alter valuable evidence

For more information or to schedule a Business Security Survey, please contact Diane Smith at 863.291.5705.