Police maintain focus on crime prevention for businesses
ACT Policing continues to work proactively to prevent crime in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Police are particularly focused on businesses that may have closed for extended periods due to COVID-19, and are actively liaising with business owners and patrolling premises around Canberra.
Business owners can also register their details via the ACT Keyholder Register to improve safety procedures.
Officer in Charge of Community Safety, Detective Station Sergeant Mark Rowswell said businesses should take proactive steps to ensure they are not a target for thieves.
“Property crime is opportunistic in nature, and given many Canberra businesses are closed due to COVID-19, police believe there may be offenders looking to take advantage of closed premises,” Detective Station Sergeant Rowswell said.
“Police are working with business owners to help minimise the risk of break-ins, and there are many simple steps that can deter would-be thieves.
“If you have CCTV, a security alarm and security lighting, keep them on. These can deter burglars and assist police to identify offenders if there is a break-in or an attempted break-in.
“If you don’t have CCTV, consider if now is a good time to install it. Speak with your neighbouring business to identify if cameras can be installed for a collective benefit.
“Businesses can also display clear warning signs – these can reference security features such as alarms and CCTV, or that no money or valuables are kept on site.”
The ACT Keyholder Register is a list of the names and after-hours contact details of business owners or others who have access to a business premises.
“This information is stored on the Australian Federal Police's (AFP) confidential computer system, and is only accessed in the event police need to contact the business owner or another relevant contact person after hours,” Detective Station Sergeant Rowswell said.
“Please make sure the current business details are on the register so police can contact the relevant person to attend the premises in the event of damage from burglary, fire or other incidents that may happen after business hours.”
You can update the register using the form on the ACT Policing website.
Comprehensive information about business security can be found at ACT Policing’s Property Crime Prevention page.
Anyone with information about property crime in the community is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
Note to media: Video of Detective Station Sergeant Mark Rowswell discussing business premises security is available from https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/WeSTO8n85c/YWN0LXBvbGljZS1tZWRpYUBhZnAuZ292LmF1
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au