During the past few months, Delaware State Police have investigated numerous burglaries which have occurred at commercial businesses throughout New Castle County.
Suspects have used multiple means to enter each targeted business and have proceeded to remove property such as cash, cigarettes, and other items before fleeing undetected.
Troopers offered the following steps that business owners and managers can take in reducing chances of becoming a burglary victim:
- Lock the burglar out. A strong lock will discourage a burglar and at least make them work harder. A pin-cylinder lock may be best since it is difficult to pick.
- Invest in an alarm system. A silent central-station alarm gives business owners the best protection. A cheaper local system, which sounds a loud alarm, is preferred to no alarm at all.
- Use plenty of lighting. Providing a lot of light, both inside and outside, can be very effective. Have each entrance point, including windows and vents, flooded with light to discourage burglars. It is also advisable to keep interior lights on to assist police on patrol in spotting anyone who may be inside of your business when it is closed. Make certain window displays do not block the view from the street.
- Use grating and special glass. Heavy metal window screens and roll down gates are excellent ways to protect businesses. Investing in burglar resistant glass is also a good idea.
- Prevent access to the roof. Use a shrouding device on any roof access ladder to prevent unauthorized access. Secure rooftop skylights and air conditioner and heating ducts. If they cannot be secured adequately, you may want to consider alarming these access points.
- Don’t forget the obvious. Common sense precautions must be used in order to keep from becoming a burglary victim.