Community Relations
The GBA has worked with the Northern Police District to help reduce crime, and the GBA Board includes a Baltimore City Police Northern District representative. For those of you who haven't met them yet, we have two police officers in our Northern Police District who are in charge of Community Relations. Officers Jonathan Walter and Douglas Gibson have attended community events, GBA and YRP meetings, and accept phone calls or e-mails about any criminal or police concerns we may have. They have also offered to visit your business, to review specific conditions for potential security risks, such as tall bushes, lack of lighting, etc. and make suggestions for improving security. Their contact information (but please be patient, as they are quite busy): 410-367-8491, Jonathan.Walter@baltimore.police.org, Douglas.Gibson@baltimore.police.org
· Community Crime Watch Program
· Business Crime Tips
Please note the following precautions from the Northern District and Baltimore County:
o Keep storefront windows and doorways clear of signs and posters, in order to allow natural surveillance. Robbers know that police cannot see into cluttered windows.
o Keep businesses well lit outside.
o Always have at least two employees working, especially at night.
o Practice good hiring techniques by checking references, and have good employees recommend other applicants.
o Keep side and back doors locked at all times and have employees use the main entrance.
o Advertise at the entrance that there is only a minimal amount of cash in the register, and that large bills are not accepted.
o Keep a minimum of cash in your cash drawer, and make regular drops into a safe.
o Vary banking routines, and carry cash in a variety of ways. Make your bank trips unpredictable, by varying times and locations of deposits.
o Watch for suspicious persons lurking outside businesses - especially in cars and phone booths.
o If someone is acting suspicious call 911.
· Is YOUR business as secure as it can be? Officer Jon Walter and Officer Doug Gibson, our Northern District Community Relations Officers are available for on-site review and security check. Please call 410-367-8491.
