At the November meeting of the Morrow County Chamber of Commerce, 50 members heard Cardington Police Chief John Hinton talk about some safety precautions their businesses can take.
Hinton began with the suggestion that alarms can make a big difference in alerting businesses to robbery and other dangers. He likes loud alarms that sound off when a door is opened or a building is broken into. He said the loud noise alone can make a burglar turn and run.
There several kinds of security alarms that can be tied in to the police or sheriff’s departments from businesses and homes. If you can’t afford or don’t want to get the entire system there are signs and stickers that can be put in the window that can scare off a burglar.
Doors and windows should be checked carefully to make sure they are shut and locked when you leave the business and it is closed.
Hinton said that weapons can be concealed in a hat or coat and as a business owner you can ask a customer or client to remove their hat and coat when they come into your business.
Business owners can ask police and/or the sheriff for an armed escort when taking large sums of money to the bank. It’s also good to go with someone at night or in the dark as winter approaches and parking lots are dark.
Hinton asked businesses and agencies to make sure the police and/or sheriff’s office have up –to-date information on the business hours and routines. He said that Cardington businesses have a spare key at the police department in case of emergencies.
Staff members at Dr. Leslie McDougal’s office asked what to do since their office has only one exit. Hinton had several suggestions and also suggested that having mace on hand can be a good defense.
Patty Jackson of ReMax asked if he had any advice for realtors who find themselves away from the office with people they’re meeting for the first time. Hinton suggested a phone app that can be used to track your location and check in with the office. There are also alarms and devices that can be used on the road.
“Trust your gut,” encouraged Hinton. “if someone or something seems wrong or out of place, call the police or sheriff.”
Alberta Stojkovic is a correspondent with the Morrow County Sentinel and can be reached at [email protected].
