UPDATE FROM SUPERVISOR TOM WILSON

There are many types of crime in the workplace. One of the keys to crime prevention is to be proactive - become educated and take precautionary steps to protect yourself and your property. Apathy creates the opportunity for criminals to succeed. Common-sense prevention skills can help make a work-safe environment. Your alertness can make a difference. Here are a few tips from the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

How to discourage robbery: Avoid working alone. Make sure your cash register can be seen by passers-by and that your customers are visible from the street. Avoid placing signs in windows which block visibility. Advertise your security alarm system with signs and make sure your employees know how to operate it. Develop a mutual aid system among stores on your block. Record the serial number of the bottom bill in each bin of the cash drawer, and instruct employees not to use these bills for change. Place colored tape markers at exits, at heights of 5' 6" and 6', to allow you to accurately estimate the height of the robber. If someone points a gun at you and demands your money, give it to him: NEVER REFUSE A ROBBER!

Fraud: When making a transaction, require at least one form of ID. Never accept as ID membership cards, library cards, or social security numbers. When accepting a credit card, ask for photo ID. Train employees to follow each credit card company's authorization procedure. Make sure you've established internal procedures for problems with credit cards.

Office Theft: Keep your purse, wallet, or other valuable items with you or locked in a drawer or closet. Check identity of any strangers in the office. Always let someone know where you'll be. Report any dimly lit areas and broken locks or windows. Don't advertise your social life or vacation plans to people visiting or calling your office.

Employee Violence: Could you recognize potentially violent employees? Signs of stress that could erupt into violence include: depression, frequent absences, increased irritability, and concentration problems. Employees should be encouraged to report unusual behavior of others.

Remember: All crimes should be reported, no matter how trivial they seem. If a crime is not reported, it can happen again to someone else. Many of your cities have Business Watch Programs. These joint partnerships between city government, businesses, and law enforcement are effective in combating crime. Check with your city's Police Services Department to learn more about making your business community safer.