Security Tips

Retail theft

There are a number of simple mitigations businesses can employ to discourage theft on their premises: 

• Design an open-plan store layout to enhance surveillance and deter theft.
• Lock expensive and valuable items in cabinets.
• Install CCTV at entry points and appropriately placed internally.
• Clearly display anti-theft policies such as bag inspections and refund policies.
• Regularly conduct stock counts, including serial numbers and equipment.
• Use visible ink security tags on high value clothing.
• Train employees on shop lifting prevention and ensure that they are aware of all policies and procedures.
• Keep an incident report book, including time stamps and suspicious behaviour occurrences.

Retail Theft Trends and Safety Advice

Did you know, the Town has seen a 67% drop in burglary offences between 2016 and 2024. It is still important, however, to take action to minimise your risk. 

Most burglaries occur during the day. Remember to lock all doors even when you are present.

If you are a victim of burglary, report this to WA Police on 131 444 and immediately take action to make your business visibly secure.

Design out crime

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a theoretical framework that implements evidence-based research and highlights the importance of four central principles: surveillance, territorial definition, access control, and space management. The diagram below illustrates how the CPTED principles can be incorporated into business management and design plans to discourage antisocial behaviour and reduce the risk of crime.

• Design an open-planned store layout to enhance surveillance and deter theft.
• Lock expensive and valuable items in cabinets.
• Install CCTV at entry points and appropriately placed internally.
• Clearly display anti-theft policies such as bag inspections and refund policies.
• Regularly conduct stock counts, including serial numbers and equipment.
• Use visible ink security tags on high value clothing.
• Train employees on shop lifting prevention and ensure that they are aware of all policies and procedures.
• Keep an incident report book, including time stamps and suspicious behaviour occurrences.

Retail Theft Trends and Safety Advice

The Town has seen a 67% drop in burglary offences between 2016 and 2024.

Most burglaries occur during the day. Remember to lock all doors even when you are home.

If you are a victim of burglary, report this to WA Police on 131 444 and immediately take action to make your house visibly secure.

Design out crime

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a theoretical framework that implements evidence-based research and highlights the importance of four central principles: surveillance, territorial definition, access control, and space management. The diagram below illustrates how the CPTED principles can be incorporated into business management and design plans to discourage antisocial behaviour and reduce the risk of crime.

Cyber crime

• Always confirm validity of invoices before processing. Check details such as the company’s ABN, payment information and contact details.
• Limit employee authority to place orders and place invoices. Ensure strict financial procedures are in place.
• Verify any unusual bank details with the supplier directly prior to processing payment.

Report incidences of cyber crime at: Report | Cyber.gov.au

Credit card fraud

If a customer appears suspicious or you are unsure, follow these tips:

• Ask for photo ID, especially for multiple small purchases.
• Share information with nearby businesses.
• Immediately contact the police if an incident occurs.
• Regularly check and update policies in response to security needs.
• Appropriately train employees with how to deal with difficult or suspicious customers.

Lock it or Lose it!

Did you know? Stealing from motor vehicles is one of the most common offences in the South-East corridor.

In recognition of this, the Town of Victoria Park aims to raise vigilance and knowledge about vehicle security and the prevalence of vehicle break-ins. By working together, we can remove opportunities for criminals and prevent vehicle break-ins from occurring.

You can increase your vehicle security by:  

1. Locking all windows and doors: Unlocked cars with open windows are prime targets for opportunistic theft. 
2. Removing all valuables: Offenders look for opportunities. Remove all valuables including your wallet and bags when leaving you vehicle unattended. Do not place items in your boot or under the front seat. The Town can provide you with some “all valuables have been removed” dash clothes for you to display inside your vehicle. 
3. Parking smart: Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas with surveillance. If possible, park behind a locked gate or in a garage. Avoid parking near loose objects like bricks or stones. Consider installing sensor lights on your carport.  
4. Taking your keys with you: Always remove your keys from the ignition and lock your vehicle when leaving, even if it is only for a minute. Always take your car keys with you when going out, even if the car is staying at home.   
5. Keeping keys out of sight: Always keep your keys out of sight, away from windows. Not on benches, side tables or key hooks.
6. Installing anti-theft screws: Fit these to your license plates to make it harder for criminals to remove your plates.
7. Installing a dashcam: Advanced dash cams can detect motion or impacts while your vehicle is unattended.  
8. Reporting: Report all vehicle break-ins to WA Police on 131 444. All reports are recorded and help Police adequately plan resources to make our communities safer.