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Crime Prevention

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
FOR BUSINESS OWNERS/EMPLOYEES

On behalf of the Chief of Police, the Investigations Division of the Logan City Police Department has produced this Quick Reference Guide for business owners, managers, and employees.

This guide will provide information in the event you are victimized by a criminal, are suspicious of financial documents being used, discover a crime, or encounter other circumstances where police involvement is needed.
The Investigations Division concentrates its efforts on major felony crime investigations and education of the public. By developing partnerships throughout the community, we can have an impact on the problems that confront us

The division is separated into the following four areas:

White-collar crimes, such as bad checks, forgery, credit card fraud and communication fraud.
Crimes Against Property, such as theft, burglary, auto theft, auto burglary, and robbery.
Crimes Against Persons, such as rape, assault, child abuse, robbery and homicide.
Cache/Rich Drug Task Force is responsible for the education, investigation, and interdiction of illegal narcotics.

We encourage you and your employees to read this guide and learn how to report, prevent, and respond to crimes committed at your business. Education is key in reducing the losses associated with crime.
If you desire to have training offered to your business concerning crime, please contact the Logan City Police Department, Investigations Division at 716-9360.

The following training classes are offered by the Investigations Division:

Forged Documents
Credit Card Fraud
Embezzlement
Bad Checks
Robbery Prevention/Reporting/Response
Burglary Prevention/Reporting/Response - Target Hardening
Drug Abuse Related Training/Prescription Fraud
Crimes Against Person(s)

CONTACT INFORMATION

Please feel free to contact us with questions regarding suspicious situations. However, if immediate police response is needed, dial 911 and request a patrol officer.

Questions regarding crimes involving fraud, property, or crimes against persons contact 716-9361.
Questions regarding crimes involving narcotics contact 716-9381.
Please visit LCPD’s website at www.loganpolice.com to see real time updated
crime stats in your neighborhood.

Fire

The fire alarm system should detect most fires and sound the alarm. If not, activate the alarm at a pull box and dial 911 to give exact fire location.
If you are sure it is a false alarm, call 911 to inform the Fire Department.
If the fire involves something small, attempt to put it out with an extinguisher.

When an alarm sounds, calmly and cautiously evacuate according to the evacuation procedure. Do not stop to gather personal belongings. Everyone should shut the doors and windows behind them, as well as shut down their electronic equipment if time allows. Feel doors before opening them. If a door is hot, do not open it - there is fire on the other side. If there is smoke, crawl to your exits. Cleaner air is near the floor.
Once evacuated, assemble in an assigned area. Do not leave the area or re-enter the building until directed to do so.

AUTO BURGLARY PREVENTION

PARK in a sensible place, avoiding unlit areas at night
REMOVE the ignition key and activate the steering lock
LOCK your doors and close all windows
LOCK valuables in the trunk
TAKE extra keys out of your vehicle
CARRY your drivers license and registration with you
DISCOURAGE THE THIEF When purchasing a car, pay attention to security features
CONSIDER installing an alarm system
CONSIDER security when purchasing car audio equipment
MARK items for identification purposes
REPORT suspicious or abandoned cars and suspicious persons
TAKE time to record the following detailed information of your car:
Year and make, model, colors
License number
Vehicle identification number
Tires, size, brand, and serial number
Special equipment - CB radios, cassette/CD player, etc., including description, make and serial number
Dents, scratches or other accidental damage that makes your car different from any other car of the same make and model.

Auto Burglary and Theft

IF you are the victim of an auto burglary, auto theft, burglary, or theft, report the incident to police immediately. Follow the appropriate checklists below:

CALL the police immediately and stay on the line until advised to hang up
Be prepared to answer the following questions:
What happened?
When did it happen?
Where did it happen?
What direction did the suspects leave?
How did the suspects leave? (Car, on foot...)
What did the car look like?
How many suspects were there?
What did they look like? (gender, race, height, weight, age, hair, scars/ marks/tattoos, clothing description)
How do you know this?
DON"T enter the area or scene of the theft unless directed to do so
DO protect the scene from damage being done to evidence by co-workers and employees by leaving the scene completely undisturbed
AVOID using the thief's entry and exit points into the scene
WAIT to speak with a police officer. You might have to answer similar questions again. Be prepared to answer the additional questions
What are you missing?
What does it look like?
Are there special marking on the property?
What is the make, model, and serial number?
What is the value?
DO keep a listing of pre-recorded valuable items with their description and serial numbers
Remember, the high cost of much of the merchandise that many of us pay for, is the direct result of businesses recovering the cost of lost property/ loss.

ROBBERY PREVENTION

Robbery is a "crime against the person" and a frightening experience. It can result in injury or even death to the victim. It is important to remember in protecting your business from robbery, to take preventive measures and make it obvious that those measures have been taken.

If you take these steps, you can reduce the likelihood of being robbed:

Keep your front doors and windows clear of signs and posters to allow good, two way visibility
Keep the outside of your business well lit at night
Make sure that your cash register is clearly visible to outside observers
Practice good cash control. Keep only a minimal amount of cash in your cash drawer.
Advertise outside, that you only keep a minimal amount of cash inside of the store and that you will not accept large bills. Never count money in public view.
Do not keep large bills under cash drawer. Put them in a safe or secure place until they are deposited
Use a safe that the clerk cannot open alone, and post this fact conspicuously, including on the safe itself
Use video camera surveillance and make it well known
Always open and close with two or more employees
Avoid employees working alone
Vary your banking routine. Carry cash in a variety of ways: A lunch sack, briefcase, pocket, etc.
Vary the times and routes that you use to go to the bank
Be alert for "customers" who seem to be loitering or glancing around the store while appearing to be shopping
Watch for suspicious persons outside the business, especially in parked cars and around telephone booths
Lock unused doors
Advertise your security alarm system with signs in visible locations
Advise victim to notify police with all information
Be alert to and report ALL suspicious activities
Robbery

ROBBERY TIPS
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE ROBBED

Do exactly what you are told. DO NOT RESIST!
Try to remain calm. Do not make any sudden movements to upset the robber
Activate your alarm ONLY if you can do so secretly
Make mental notes of robbers description: race, gender, height, weight, eye and hair color, facial hair, tattoos, clothing, speech, complexion, etc.
Make mental note of weapon used, if any
Watch where robber touches, and what they take. Is he/she wearing
gloves, footwear
Where suspect enters and leaves business. Make mental note of suspect(s) actions, i.e., items he/she may have touched.
Type of transportation and direction of travel, if it can be observed safely
DO NOT BE A HERO. IT IS BETTER TO LOSE YOUR MONEY THAN YOUR LIFE!

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE ROBBERY

Call the police immediately, even if you have activated the alarm
Close the business and lock the doors
DO NOT discuss details of the robbery with witnesses or fellow employees
Ask witnesses to stay until police arrive. If they cannot, get their names, addresses and phone numbers
Do not touch anything that the robber may have touched, keep patrons away from the general area
Have each witness write down everything they can recall about the robber, i.e., description, mannerisms, speech, weapon if used, etc.
Do not discuss the amount of money taken with anyone except the police
Step outside when the police arrive so they will know that the robber is gone and you are safe

WHITE COLLAR CRIMES

White-collar crime is common in Logan and becoming more prominent with the Internet hackers obtaining credit card numbers over the net. Follow the guidelines below to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of white-collar crime:

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FINGERPRINTS

In taking a fingerprint, be sure to include the whole fingerprint and not just the top of the finger. Smudged prints cannot be identified. Also, in taking a fingerprint on a check, do not put the fingerprint over any existing writing on a check.

QUICK CHECK TIPS

A common problem from bad checks results in several thousands of dollar losses each year in the City of Logan. In an effort to better serve customers, several things are often overlooked on potentially fraudulent checks. Not everything is foolproof, however, some items listed here may be potential red flags and bear further scrutiny before taking a check. They are as follows:

Does the writing appear to have more than one author?
Look at the overall appearance of the check. Has the check been "corrected"? Look for erasure marks, writing over letters and numbers. Note if the signature has been "touched up", or misspelled.
s there a pre-written series of numbers, such as a supposed drivers license number or social security number, credit card number, etc., written on the check that you did not witness? Ask for positive identification on these checks. Has the check been "endorsed" without you witnessing the signing?
When identification is checked, does the check/receipt signature match the signature on the presented identification? Does the identification match or resemble the person presenting it? Does the identification number match the number written on the check? Is the identification "out-of-state"? Look at the identification presented, see if it appears to have been "altered" or "changed" in any way.
When taking credit card orders over the telephone, when the purchased item is picked up or delivered, ask to see the actual credit card for which the number was used to complete the transaction. Check the person's identification and compare the signatures of both cards for consistency. ALWAYS check identification when accepting credit cards to ensure the person using the card is the authorized user.

White Collar Crime

Ask yourself, "do I feel comfortable with this person walking out of my business with my merchandise from the check, credit card, or identification presented to complete the purchase"? Have I done all I can to prevent taking a loss on this purchase?
Use some common sense when taking checks and credit cards. If you feel that something is wrong, 90 percent of the time it is. Check the person out better, call your supervisor or the police, or just refuse the sale. You do not have to accept the check or credit card.

IDENTITY FRAUD

Identity fraud occurs when someone unauthorized obtains your personal identification, name, date of birth, social security number or any information that identifies you as an individual, and without authorization knowingly and intentionally uses this information to access your medical records, your financial records or use your information in any fraudulent manner.
DO NOT give out any of your personal information over the telephone. If in the event you are required to provide this information KNOW WHOM you are giving it to! Use caution and some common sense!
Check your bank statements and credit card statements regularly and report any irregularities or suspicions. Also, check your telephone and utility bills, know where your money is going and with whom you are talking.
Any time someone contacts you by phone or mail to inform you that you have won a prize but you need to send fee's (money) to cover any expenses, (tax, attorney fees, etc.) BEWARE!
BEWARE and "don't" give out your personal information! Just tell them to deduct their fees from your winnings and send you the rest or toss the mail in the garbage. Exercise your rights. If you feel you have been victimized, call the Logan City Police Department at 716-9400.

REPORTING FRAUD

When you believe you have received a forged or stolen check or ID, stolen credit card or counterfeit money, retain possession of the item and call your supervisor and the police. As soon as possible, write down a description of the suspect and what transpired, then place the check, ID, money or credit card in an envelope or plastic bag for fingerprinting and handwriting purposes.
When you are contacted by telephone and asked for credit card numbers, account numbers or other personal information, remember that you do not have to respond. "Know who you are talking to! You do not have to talk to them. The longer they keep you on the telephone talking, the greater your chances of being scammed and losing your money or being sold something you do not really want. HANG UP THE TELEPHONE! Capture and prosecution of telephone scams is extremely difficult. The best defense is to avoid talking to them.
If the telephone calls persist or you feel victimized, contact the police and report it as soon as possible.
Businesses, who deal with documents, credit cards, or any information containing names, date of birth, social security numbers, credit card numbers, or any personal information should run their documents through a good shredder. DO NOT dispose of these type documents in the garbage. Too many dishonest people go through dumpsters and garbage specifically looking for this type of information to commit fraud.

MAIL FRAUD

Mail fraud has become a very common crime over the past couple of years.
Mailboxes have become a major target for such crimes.
Checks, credit cards, and other personal information can easily be obtained from a mailbox.
Checks can be treated with chemicals that remove the inked writing and then rewritten for large amounts and a new payee written in place of the intended one.
Boxes of new checks can easily be forged.

The following are suggestions in preventing mail fraud:

Pick up new checks, credit cards, and ID from your bank or post office box.
Do not place bill payment(s), personal information in your mailbox; drop it off at the post office.
Upon receipt of mail stating that you are a winner, discard immediately!
If you feel you have been victimized, call the police.

COUNTERFEITING

In 1996, the US Treasury Dept began a revision of US currency in order to prevent counterfeiting. Several counterfeiting features were included in the US currency from the $5 note to the $100 note. These features include color-shifting ink, an addition of a watermark, micro printing, security thread, etc.

DRUG USE/ABUSE

Our nation is a drug-oriented country. Media messages concerning the benefits or dangers of drug use continually bombard us. Though the messages are frequent, they are often vague and some are a combination of fact and fiction. Substance abuse and/or addiction can become more important than family, friends, or career.

Marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine are the leading illicit drugs in Cache Valley. They affect people in different ways, physically, mentally, and emotionally. New synthetic drugs, or "club drugs" are continually entering the drug scene; they bring new problems along with them.

Prescription drugs are not exempt from abuse. Some prescribed medicines can become addictive. Conscientious physicians are aware of these dangers and may limit or terminate them appropriately. Abusers may resort to visiting different doctors and different pharmacies in an effort to conceal their problem and continue receiving 'pain killers' such as hydrocodone or oxy-contin. Some addicts even resort to identifying themselves as doctors' office employees and calling in their own prescriptions. Pharmacists can assist the community by being alert to possible violations and notifying police.

We know that education and prevention are the greatest tools for combating drug abuse, so we encourage groups of any size to contact the Drug Task Force for informal and educational talks or presentations.

MARIJUANA

Odor of marijuana, bloodshot eyes, increased appetite, relaxed inhibitions, body tremors, possible paranoia. Marijuana is usually either smoked, through a pipe or rolled like a cigarette.

STIMULANTS

Cocaine/methamphetamine signs and indicators include a "hyperactive" type of behavior, constricted pupils, easily distracted, impatience, anxiety and other behaviors associated with a high-energy level. Long-term use of methamphetamine can result in substantial weight loss, yellowish appearance to the skin, gaunt facial features, and the other symptoms listed above.

CLUB DRUGS

Ecstasy is a clandestinely manufactured substance that combines a stimulant and a hallucinogen. Signs and indicators of Ecstasy use will be similar to the stimulants in addition to hallucinations, nausea, and flashbacks.
GHB is a clear liquid often concealed in water bottles. GHB effects are similar to that of alcohol, only on an exaggerated scale.
LSD or acid as it is commonly referred to is a hallucinogen. Indicators of hallucinogen use are dazed or confused appearance, hallucinations, nausea, poor perception of time, distance, and flashbacks.
Club type drugs are primarily orally ingested and the most common paraphernalia will be the container the drug is carried in.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Prescription drugs are not exempt from abuse. Some properly prescribed medicines can become addictive. Conscientious physicians are aware of the potential hazards of various drugs and may limit or terminate them appropriately. Abusers may resort to visiting different doctors and different pharmacies in an effort to conceal the problem and continue obtaining "pain killers" such as hydrocodone or oxy-contin. Some addicts even resort to identifying themselves as doctors and calling in their own prescriptions.
Each pharmacist should follow the procedure established by his or her respective pharmacy for reporting suspected prescription fraud. If your pharmacy does not have a procedure established, contact the Cache/Rich Drug Task Force at 7169381. Pharmacists assist the community by being alert to possible violations and notifying police.
If you come upon any of the above drugs, or see anyone exhibiting the above behaviors, have drug related questions, or wish a Drug Presentation for your organization, please contact the Cache/Rich Drug Task Force at (435) 716-9381 or in case of emergency Dial 911 for immediate response.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Immediately notify Management of any medical problems.

For MINOR INJURIES OR ILLNESS:

Supplies can be obtained from a first aid kit. If necessary, the injured person can be transported to a physician, hospital emergency room, or emergency care center.
Call 911 to summon the paramedics. Stay on the line long enough for the dispatch to get all the information needed, including the exact location of the patient.
Do not attempt to move the patient unless it is absolutely necessary
If the patient is disoriented or a seizure victim, attempt to protect the victim from further harm from such things as desks, chairs and walls. Do not place your fingers in the mouth of a seizure victim
If the person is not breathing, has severe bleeding or no pulse, immediate action may be necessary to save the person's life. Trained personnel may attempt the following procedures:
If the person's airway is blocked, perform the Heimlich maneuver if you are properly trained to do so
If the person is bleeding severely, apply direct pressure over the wound with a finger, hand, or a pressure dressing. Pressure may be applied on a major blood vessel near the wound to stop the blood flow.
If the patient has no pulse and is not breathing, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be necessary until paramedics arrive.

BOMB THREAT

A bomb threat can be received by anyone and vital information can be gained from the caller that may save lives and property.
Be calm and courteous and listen carefully. Take notes if possible. Do not interrupt; do not place the caller on hold or attempt to transfer the call. If possible, notify law enforcement officer while the caller is still on the line. Try to have someone else listen to the telephone call if possible with you. Keep the caller on the telephone as long as possible. Ask as many questions as you can, i.e.:

When will the bomb go off?
Where is the bomb located?
What kind of bomb is it?
What does the bomb look like?
Why was the bomb placed there?
Explain to the caller that many people could get hurt if the bomb is detonated. Pay close attention to the background noises and any distinguishable sounds. After the call is over, immediately call 911, notify Management, and complete the bomb threat checklist if your place of business has one. It is recommended that the police be contacted to assist in determining what action should be taken - no threat likely, search and evacuate and /or immediate evacuation. In addition, it is imperative that the person(s) receiving the threat stay at the scene to talk to the police.
If requested to do so by law enforcement, search your immediate work area. When dealing with letters and parcels, you should be suspicious it may be a bomb if:
Foreign mail, air mail and special delivery
Marking such as "confidential", "personal", etc.
Excessive postage or weight
Handwritten or poorly typed addresses or no return address
Incorrect title or a title but no names
Misspelling of common words
Oily stains or discoloration's
Protruding wires or tinfoil
Excessive securing material such as tape, string, etc.
Visual distractions

If a suspicious article is found, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Immediately notify your supervisor or management and law enforcement. Law enforcement will determine if all or part of the building should be evacuated and if standard evacuation procedures should be followed. If possible, open windows on your way out. Only personal bags and belongings should be taken. Do not touch anything that is not yours!
Bomb Threat

BOMB THREAT CHECKLIST

Keep this form near your telephone where you can obtain it immediately.
When you receive a bomb threat call, be calm and courteous. Do not put the caller on
hold. Do not attempt to transfer the call. Listen to what is said! Do not interrupt, let
the caller talk. As the caller talks, record as much information as possible without
becoming distracted from what the caller is saying. When the caller seems to be finished,
attempt to obtain further information.

1) Call received by: ___________________________ Phone #:____________________
2) Time of call: ______________________________ Caller: M/F
3) Where is the bomb: ____________________________________________________
4) How much time is left before the bomb goes off? _____________________________
5) What kind of bomb is it? ________________________________________________
6) What does it look like? __________________________________________________
7) What will cause bomb to explode? ________________________________________

If building is occupied, inform the caller the explosion will cause death/injury
1) Why is the building being bombed? ________________________________________
2) How does the caller know about the bomb? _________________________________
3) Why is the caller calling? ________________________________________________
4) What is the caller's name? _______________________________________________
5) Where is the caller? ____________________________________________________

Voice Characteristics - Loud soft deep high raspy pleasant nasal intoxicated

Speech - Fast slow distinct distorted

Language - Poor fair good obscene profane abusive

Accent - Local foreign racial present not known

Manner - Calm rational coherent deliberate laughing angry irrational incoherent emotional serious

Background Noise - Office machine planes animals undetermined factory machine trains voices music quiet

Remarks ______________________________________________________________

JUVENILE CRIME ISSUES

Curfew: Children under the age of 18 years of age can not be in a public area and are restricted from such in the following time frames:

Ten-thirty p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday until five a.m. on the following day; and
12:01 a.m. until five a.m. on any Saturday or Sunday

Truancy: Children who are residents or visiting Logan City are affected by this ordinance. 9.24.070 and Utah Code Annotated 53A-11-101 to -106 states that when school is in session they shall attend school during those times that the school is teaching.

“Public Place” means any place to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access and includes, but is not limited to, streets, highways, and the common area of schools, hospitals, apartment houses, office buildings, public transit buses and property, and shops.

Criminal Trespass: Business Owners who experience large and unwanted crowds on their property can ask the police department to help remove these unwanted guests. This partnership will be enforced once the owner posts his property, via a sign notice. 9.16.140 Criminal Trespass, defines several different penalties. Please contact the department and a representative will come to your office and discuss those solutions and enforcement options available to you.

Gangs: The best defense to having your child involved in a gang is early intervention, by the parents, grandparents or social services.

The Logan City Police Department has an active gang unit, where detectives are assigned. They will come and meet with you, discuss and problem solve your situations, and upon your request will provide gang awareness training to those in your business.

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Crime Prevention