When you go to work, don't leave your crime prevention sense at home. Almost any crime that can happen at home or in your neighborhood, can happen in the workplace.
Office Theft and Other Crimes
Keep your purse, wallet, keys or other valuable items with you at all times, or lock them is a drawer or closet.
Check the identity of any strangers who are in your office - ask who they are visiting and if you can help them find that person.
If this makes you uncomfortable, inform security or management about your suspicions.
Always let someone know where you'll be - whether it's coming in late, working late, going to the photocopier or mail room,
going out to lunch or a meeting.
If you bring personal items to work, such as a coffee pot, a radio or a calculator, mark them with your name or initials and
an ID number.
Report any broken or flickering lights, dimly lit corridors, doors that don't lock properly or broken windows.
Don't wait for someone else to make the report.
Be discreet. Don't advertise your social life or vacation plans and those of your coworkers to people visiting
or calling your place of work.
Common Trouble Spots
Reception area - Is the receptionist equipped with a "panic button" for emergencies? A camera with a monitor at another employee's desk? A lock on the front door that can be controlled?
Stairwells and out-of-the-way corridors - Don't use the stairs alone. Talk to the building manager about improving poorly lighted corridors and stairways.
Elevators - Don't get into elevators with people who look out of place or behaves in a strange or threatening manner. If you find yourself in an elevator with someone who makes you nervous, get off as soon as possible.
Restrooms - Attackers can hide in stalls and corners. Make sure restrooms are locked and only employees have keys. Be extra cautious when using restrooms that are isolated or poorly lit. In public restrooms, do not hang your purse, bag or briefcase on the top hook of the door, or put on the floor near the door or sides. Put it on top of the tank if possible where no one can reach over or under and grab it. Ask the custodian to install hooks lower on the door or on the wall above the toilet and repair any stall door locks.
Parking lots or garages - Choose a well lighted, well guarded parking garage. Always lock your car and roll up the windows all the way. If you notice any strangers hanging around the parking lot, notify security or the police. When you approach your car, have the key ready. Walk out with someone or ask security for an escort. As you approach your car, look under and around the sides of your car. Check the floor and back seats before getting in. After getting in, lock the doors immediately, even before you buckle your seat belt. Consider getting a panic alarm and have it ready to use. If you think someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk towards an open store, restaurant or light house. If you're scared, yell for help.
Violence in the Workplace
Violence in the workplace takes on many forms, from raised voices and profanity or sexual harassment to robbery or homicide. While homicide in the workplace is rising, 75 percent of work related homicides are committed by unknown assailants while committing a robbery or other crimes. Despite media hype, the attacker usually isn't a disgruntled co-worker. To assess a workplace's vulnerability to violence, ask yourself these questions:
> Is your office secure? Do you have easy-to-use phone systems with emergency buttons,
sign-in policies for visitors, panic buttons, safe rooms, security guards, office access controls,
good lighting and safety training?
> Does your employer take care in hiring and firing? Before hiring, are employment gaps, history,
references and criminal and educational records thoroughly examined? Are termination procedures
defined clearly with attention to advance notice, severance pay and placement services?
> Could you recognize potentially violent employees? Signs of stress that could erupt into violence
include: depression, frequent absences, talking in a louder-than-normal voice, being easily startled,
increased irritability and impatience, and concentration and memory problems.
> Are you encouraged to report unusual or worrisome behavior? Is there a clear, written policy that
spells out procedures in cases of violence and sanctions for violators? Make sure you know to whom
you should report unusual behaviors to.
> Do you work in a supportive, harmonious environment? Is there a culture of mutual respect? Does your
employer provide an employee assistance program (EAP)?
