The dynamics of Sidney are changing. What was once a sleepy, small community is evolving into a busy town with a population that is swelling by the day. With an increase of people, also comes an increase in crime. Following a number of recent businesses break ins, local business owners may be starting to rethink the steps they need to take to ensure their assets are secure.
Of recent several Sidney businesses have all been targets of burglary attempts as well as private homes.
While many locals have prided themselves on living in a town where more often than not, people leave their front doors and vehicles unlocked, the recent escalation in crime has everyone rethinking the need for taking safety precautions to help keep their homes and businesses safe.
If your building is locked up and unauthorized entry is difficult, time consuming, noisy and visible, chances are the burglary will be avoided.
Here are some tips for securing not only your business, but yourself.
Locks on all outside entrances should be double cylinder deadbolts with moveable collars. They should also have an inch of throw containing a hardened steel insert and protected by a latch guard.
Padlocks should be made of steel, mounted on bolted hasps and always locked. It’s a good idea to file off the serial numbers so that duplicate keys can’t be made.
Incorporate doors made from solid construction, (not hollow) metal lined and secured with heavy metal crossbars. Door jams should also be solid and exposed hinges should be pinned to prevent removal.
Windows should lock and have burglar resistant glass treatments.
Lighting should not be used sparingly and building entrances should be well lit as well as the perimeter of the building. It is also a good idea to leave a light on inside the building, preferably near the cash register or safe.
It is a good idea to keep the cash register in a visible place where it can be seen from the outside and monitored by local police passing by. It should also be left empty and open.
A once over should be performed on the building to see if there are areas that need securing such as the roof, basement or other openings.
Maintain good visibility by not allowing landscaping, boxes, trash bins, vehicles or equipment to be placed in a way that creates places for people to be concealed from sight or that provide access to the roof.
Also, do not put I.D. tags on your keys. This will reduce the possibility that anyone finding the keys will also find the locks that they will open.
Taking precautions to protect you should also be a top priority. If you are working late hours, have someone watch you walk to your vehicle when you leave if possible. If you need to use an ATM machine, try to do it during daylight hours or have someone else with you. Inspect the ATM area before you approach it.
When walking around town, avoid areas with little light. Walk out in the open where people can see you.
Before entering your car you should always pay attention to your surroundings and any activity near your vehicle. When leaving a store or home, always have your key ready so you don’t have to fumble around for it while walking to your car. Always check the back seat and even under your vehicle before entering.
Don’t leave valuable or personal items unattended in your vehicle. If you do not take them with you, store them in the trunk so they can’t be seen.
When parking your vehicle, park in well lit areas if possible. After exiting, make sure all of the windows are rolled up and the doors are locked.
When traveling locally, pick out safe spots such as 24-hour gas stations, convenience stores, police and fire stations. If trouble should arise or you think you are being followed, drive straight to one of these locations.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department and Sidney Police Department were contacted several times concerning this article but did not respond. The local businesses were unavailable for comment at press time.
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