A recent robbery of a business preparing to open near the North Bend Outlet Mall has North Bend Police Chief, Mark Toner, reminding local business owners of some important, simple crime prevention recommendations.
In a press release yesterday, January 23rd, Toner said no one was hurt in the incident and there is no indication that the robbery is a part of a pattern.
The police chief said these simple crime prevention tips “will help you minimize the chances of similar events happening at your businesses. By being vigilant and aware of your surroundings, you will help both yourself and your neighbors in maintaining a safe community.”
Businesses with any questions or interested in having a business safety survey conducted can contact the North Bend King County Sheriff’s Office at 425.888.4433.
Crime Prevention Recommendations:
- Maintain minimum cash amounts in registers and drop money when necessary. Keep minimal amounts in safe. Consider a cash pick-up service.
- Keep your business locked prior to opening and immediately after closing.
- Keep the back door of your business closed and locked at all times.
- Store all personal items such as purses and backpacks out of sight and out of reach of customers to prevent theft.
- Ensure your surveillance system is adequate and in good working order.
- Discuss with your employees “How to be a good witness.”
- Maintain an awareness of activity in and around your business.
- Maintain communication with nearby businesses and alert each other of suspicious activity, individuals, or crime.
- Maintain adequate staffing numbers so that no employee works alone or is solely responsible for opening or closing the business.
- Maintain control of your business so that access is restricted to any “employee only area”
- Have adequate “Robbery Prevention and Response” procedures in place and known to all employees.
- Do not resist a robber! Stay calm and cooperative: concentrate on being a good witness, both during and after a robbery.
- Know the exact address and phone number of your business!!
- Immediately call 9-1-1 to report a crime.
** Do not call the North Bend King County Sheriff’s Office as it cannot dispatch an officer to your location **
Important Phone Numbers
9-1-1 for all emergencies
(206) 296-3311 for NON-emergencies
(800) 344-4080 for NON-emergencies
