As a Fairfax County business person, you know that crime affects your business, your employees and your customers. It also affects the other businesses in your community. That is why I am introducing you to Business Watch. This valuable crime prevention program encourages businesses to work together to protect their common interests.

The Business Watch concept is simple - it's businesses watching out for businesses. When businesses actively watch out for one another, it helps reduce the incidence of crime in our community. It is this cooperative effort which makes the program successful.

This information introduces you to Business Watch and contains some common sense reminders on how to prevent crime. The Fairfax County Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit is ready to train you and your employees and assist you in becoming an active Business Watch participant. By working together we all benefit.

The Three Types of Business Watches

Retail Establishments...

Retailers, particularly those located in shopping centers, join together to watch for and report suspicious activity.

Business Offices...

Employees work together to promote safety and security practices in the office environment.

Fleet Vehicles...

Businesses with radio equipped company vehicles are ideally suited for Business Watch. As they conduct business throughout the county, employees are alert for criminal activity or traffic problems and promptly notify police.

How to Get Involved

There are Crime Prevention Officers at each police district station who will provide training to your employees. Employees must be trained annually for a business to be certified as a Business Watch participant. Your business will receive a window decal signifying its participation in the program.

Preventing Crime At Your Business

Suspicious Activity...

Call the police at once if you notice suspicious strangers loitering in or near your place of business, particularly around opening or closing times.

Business persons preparing to make a bank deposit should always be alert for strangers loitering near or at the bank. If in doubt, don't make the deposit while a suspicious person is in the area.

Any suspected criminal activity should be reported to the police immediately.

Robbery Prevention...

Never block the view into your store by filling windows with too many displays. Robbers don't want to be seen, and they're less likely to choose a business if people can see what's going on inside.

Keep cash on the premises to a minimum.

Make frequent pick ups of money from registers and make regular bank deposits.

Try not to work alone. Studies have indicated that the presence of more employees may reduce the incidence of armed robbery.

Burglary Prevention...

Install quality locks on doors and windows.

Interior and exterior lighting is important. Lighting may prevent the burglar from concealing his illegal activities. Consider installing an alarm system and train your employees in its proper use. Knowing your business is equipped with an alarm may be enough to deter some criminals.

Shoplifting...

Greet and approach all customers and offer to provide assistance.

Keep expensive items away from entrances.

Develop a policy to deal with shoplifters. Shoplifting laws are complex so make sure your employees are familiar with them.

CALL YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR CRIME PREVENTION SERVICES. FCPD addresses and telephone numbers are available by clicking here.

The Fairfax County Police Department offers a wide range of free crime prevention services to businesses. They include steps you can take to avoid being the victim of crime. For information on these services call the police district station serving your area.

Police facilities are staffed 24 hours daily and may be called at any time to schedule a presentation on crime prevention and the Business Watch Program.

Mount Vernon District Station
703-360-8400
2511 Parkers Lane

McLean District Station
703-556-7750
1437 Balls Hill Road

Mason District Station
703-256-8035
6507 Columbia Pike

Reston District Station
703-478-0904
12000 Bowman Towne Drive

Franconia District Station
703-922-0889
6121 Franconia Road

West Springfield District Station
703-644-7377
6140 Rolling Road

Fair Oaks District Station
703-591-0966
12300 Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway

Sully District Station
703-814-7000
4900 StoneCroft Boulevard

Return to Top of Menu