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Police Chief to Businesses: Install Security Systems

In Indiana, Kendallville Police Chief Rob Wiley shakes his head and wonders why.

“If I was a business owner, I’d certainly have a burglar alarm,” he said this week.

Wiley recently sent letters to Kendallville business owners urging them to install security systems, deadbolt locks on doors and security lighting to deter burglars. Too many Kendallville business owners don’t heed the advice or don’t care enough to spend $100 to $200 on an alarm system.

Wiley planned to send out the letters before the recent series of business burglaries, not because of them. Between March 9 and 18, burglars broke into Vaughan’s Frozen Custard and Fine Coffees, 848 N. Lima Road, Si Senor restaurant, 838 N. Lima Road, The King Buffet in Friendly Village Shopping Center off U.S. 6 East and Maria’s House of Pancakes and Restaurant, 614 Fairview Blvd.

In each case the burglars gained entry through what the business owner thought was a secured door and went through offices, cabinets, cash registers and drawers looking for money. Police won’t disclosed how much was taken, but in at least one case it was substantial.

Why don’t business owners install alarms, deadbolt locks, outdoor security lights or arrange nighttime bank deposits of the day’s takings?

Police investigating burglaries and break-ins first notice the lack of security lights, giving criminals a darkened environment, and then examine forced entries accomplished with a simple screwdriver or crowbar.

“We advise business owners to take precautions like leaving an inside light on so patrolling officers can look for movement,” said Wiley. 

In his March 26 letter, the police chief reminds business owners to take the following crime prevention measures:

• Install an alarm system even if it’s only one that makes an audible noise. It may scare off a burglar.

“This will increase our ability to catch burglars in the act,” he states.

In each of the recent burglaries, the businesses were on or near a major highway and close to other businesses. An audible alarm would have alerted passers-by.

• Secure doors, especially rear entrances, with deadbolt locks or strong bolts and latches. He recommends a metal plate be installed over the latch area to prevent someone from inserting a tool to push back the latch to open the door.

• Install adequate outdoor lighting so burglars can’t hide while attempting to break in.

• Leave some interior lights on. If police know the lights are left on at night and the lights have been turned off, patrolling officers will investigate the scene.

• Don’t leave large sums of money in the business. Wiley recommends business owners make bank drops during the day. Police will assist those making drops.

Kendallville police have investigated burglaries where a current or past employee divulges to someone else where money is hidden in the business.

Spring is traditionally a time when criminal activity increases because thieves are more active at night, said Wiley.