NCJ Number
153722
Editor(s)
R P Gowen
Date Published
1994
Length
76 pages
Annotation
This guide, intended to help retail businesses of any size develop a comprehensive security program, focuses on employer responsibilities, significant security issues, physical security, guards and security services, computer-related crimes, and police investigations.
Abstract
Business losses due to crime are estimated at $114 to $300 billion a year. Crimes against businesses cost companies 69 percent of after-tax corporate profits. Programs and products directed at preventing crimes against businesses and company asset diversion cost over $150 billion a year. More than $1 billion is spent on locks, $2 billion on burglar alarms, and $148 billion on security guards. Employee theft can have a more devastating effect on retail businesses than victimization by burglars, robbers, and shoplifters. Specific measures are identified to prevent employee theft that emphasize the company culture, the importance of a drug-free workplace, pre-employment screening, crime prevention and loss awareness, and employer-employee communications. Other crime prevention measures are also suggested that concern inventory and money controls, target hardening, the use of professional consultants and vendors to enhance physical security, lighting, closed circuit television, locks and other hardware, alarms, access control, guard and security services, computer-related crime, and criminal investigations. Sample forms and policies are included to guide crime prevention efforts. References and figures