Watching out for businesses

    The Bedford Police Department has implemented a new Business Watch group to help reduce and prevent crimes in area businesses.
    The goal is to help business owners and merchants identify what they can do to create a safer, more secure environment for their business.
    According to Lt. Todd Foreman with the BPD, by working together businesses can reduce, resolve or avoid some problems altogether. He said the possibility of identifying and arresting criminals increases as more people become involved.
    The first Business Watch meeting was held last Wednesday and the group plans to meet the first Wednesday of each month.
    Topics could include: securing your business more effectively; what to do in the event of a robbery or shoplifting; keeping employees safe; tips to eliminate computer or credit fraud and the opportunity for internal theft; and low-cost crime prevention measures. Also shared each month will be statistics on calls received by the BPD within the Business Watch area.
    Lt. Foreman said the department would rather work with business owners to prevent crimes than spend time with them afterwards apprehending criminals.
    He encourages all business owners or merchants to attend. About five attended last week’s meeting and he hopes more will become involved.
    The more that attend, the more information the department will have access to as to what’s happening, he said.
    Lt. Foreman said it’s important for businesses to stay in contact with the Police Department about anything that is going on, even if they consider it minor. He said the training could help reduce or prevent crimes before they actually happen.
    The next Business Watch is scheduled for Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. The meetings are held at the City Municipal Building in City Council Chambers.
    For more information on the program contact Lt. Foreman at 540-587-6011 or by email at police@bedfordva.gov.