Following a recent string of break and enters, the RCMP advise business owners to make sure they have an alarm system, and lock their doors.
“Security measures like updated locks, lighting, and alarms can make any establishment a less attractive target for criminals,” said Cst. Yelena Avoine with the St. Albert RCMP.
Four bikes were stolen from Cranky’s Bike Shop on May 30. Police were called to the store at 24 Perron St. around 3:50 a.m. Officers found that someone broke into the store and took four full-suspension mountain bikes.
Another break and enter was reported that same day at the St. Albert recycling yard at 7 Chevigny St. Someone broke into the yard’s shed around 9 a.m. and stole valuables.
A day later, someone stole money from 3D Nails and Spa. RCMP arrived at the business at 90 McKenney Ave. after the alarm went off around 3:37 a.m. and found that the front window had been smashed.
There are a number of safety measures that businesses can take to help reduce vulnerability to break and enters, said Avoine.
Lights can be used to eliminate shadows, which criminals use for cover. Entryways in particular should be well lit. Business owners should also invest in “the best possible” locks to secure all doors, windows, skylights and other openings.
Windows should offer visibility and frames should be checked for being loose or rotting. “The longer and harder a criminal finds it to break in, the more likely they simply give up or are caught,” she said.
Expensive merchandise should be kept away from the windows, toward the centre of the store. And only small amounts of cash should be left in the store after hours.
Cash should be kept in a well-lit safe anchored to the floor. The safe should also be visible from the outside. If staff familiar with the safe are let go or change jobs, the combination to the safe should be changed.
Installing an alarm system will also offer some peace of mind, she said.
“It is a deterrent to criminals, or forces them to get out quickly if they happen to break in,” she said. “Post warnings in clear view that the business is equipped with an alarm.”
STOLEN BICYCLES – The four bikes stolen from Cranky's Bike Shop were:<br />• a 2015 15.5 inch, red 2015 Trek Lush Sangria/Chi with serial number WTU219G0152J<br />• a 2015 medium, black 2015 Giant Lust 1 with serial number GY411765<br />• a 2015 large, black 2015 Giant Trance 27.5 with serial number GX406112<br />• a 2015 medium, dark blue 2015 Giant Anthem X 29er with serial number GX415241
