The Holidays can be a wonderful time for family, friends, gifts and food and can be very profitable for your business! However, it is also a time when there is a spike in robberies and property crime. The Richmond Police Department would like to provide a few holiday safety tips to keep in mind.

• If you have surveillance cameras ensure that they are in working order. If you have signs that state that you have surveillance, be sure to have them in plain view. Signs which state that you have cameras can deter people from stealing from and/or robbing your business.

• Change your routine; people who are looking to rob businesses, search for patterns. If you or your employees take money to the bank at the same time everyday you are more likely to fall victim to those who are looking to rob you. Be sure to periodically change the time when you do so, in order to not create a traceable routine.

• Ensure that when operating and closing your business that there is more than one person present. You or your employees are more vulnerable to robberies if you/they are alone. There is power in twos!

• Ensure that when leaving your business you do not have money containers/bags, or other expensive items visible. Robbery can also be a crime of opportunity; if you or your employees are exposing money or expensive items, you/they can easily fall victim to those who are looking to commit this crime.

• Be sure to keep in mind and to tell your employees to be aware of their surroundings. Pay attention! If there is someone hanging around during closing; do not hesitate to call the police. If you are not sure if these individuals are a threat, you can also call the non-emergency number (510) 233-1214 and we will send someone by, just in case.

We wish you a very profitable and safe Holiday Season!

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Read more about Holiday Season Crime Prevention Tips.

Below, you will find a flyer with information on a fundraiser for the Food and Toy Drive on December 14, 2013. If you’re unable to make this event you can still donate unwrapped toys to any fire station. The Food and Toy drive services around 1,500 needy families for the Holidays in Contra Costa County. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Mandy Swirsding, Richmond Police Department Crime Prevention, at (510) 965-4923 or by email here.