Business Crime Watch

The purpose of the Hanover County Business Crime Watch is to encourage the free exchange of information and crime prevention techniques between the Hanover County Sheriff's Office and the area businesses.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Hanover County Business Crime Watch is to reduce crime and the fear of crime in the work place. This will be accomplished by working in partnership with business operators to address these issues. The primary objective is to educate employees to recognize crime risks. The secondary objective is to train employees to accurately report crimes and successfully prosecute offenders.

Crime Facts
There are 3 basic elements needed for a crime to occur:
  1. Ability to commit the crime
  2. Criminal desire
  3. Opportunity to commit the crime
As individuals, we have little control over a person's desire to commit a crime, however, we have considerable control over opportunities offered and the ability required. Many business crimes are crimes of opportunity, requiring very little special ability. Therefore, if we reduce opportunities for crime and make crime more difficult (increase the need for special abilities), we will significantly reduce the risk of crime, and the severity of crime if it should occur, at your business.
Business Crime Watch Triangle

Benefits of Membership

  • Business Security Surveys
  • Business Watch warning signs for display in your business
  • Crime Prevention through environmental design
  • Network with other businesses
  • Planning assistance for new or expanding businesses
  • Training Seminars
    • Armed Robbery Prevention and Survival
    • Burglary Prevention/Physical Security
    • Check and Credit Card Fraud Prevention
    • Crime Reporting (Emergency/Non-Emergency)
    • Office Security - People and Property
    • Personal Safety and Awareness
    • Shoplifting Prevention, Apprehension and Prosecution
    • Violence in the Workplace Prevention
    • Other specialized training available upon request

Organizations

The Hanover County Business Crime Watch is modeled after our highly successful Neighborhood Watch Program. Business Watches are organized by geographical area. Watch activities are facilitated by the Business Watch Coordinator (chosen by area members) who acts as a liaison between the Sheriff's Office and the business community.

The Hanover County Sheriff's Office, Crime Prevention Unit, offers programs on personal safety, as well as, programs for home and business security. If you would like to schedule a program for your group or have further questions, please call the Hanover County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit at 804-365-6110.

Information provided by the Crime Prevention Unit.