What is Crime Free Business?

Crime Free Business is the latest addition to an extensive list of programs offered through the International Crime Free Association, Inc. (on the Internet at http://www.crime-free-association.org). The strategies and materials presented in Crime Free Business are based on research conducted among Los Angeles businesses by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and decades of studies conducted by government and university researchers nationwide.

What is the purpose of the Crime Free Business program?

The purpose of the Crime Free Business program is to reduce crime in and around retail businesses, provide a safe work environment for employees, customers and employers, and increase the number of customers coming into the business to use the services.

What is the problem Crime Free Business can help solve?

Homicide is a leading cause of workplace death in the United States, and workers in retail are at greatest risk. Over two-thirds of workplace homicides and nearly 20 percent of nonfatal assaults occur in the course of a robbery. Crime Free Business gives retail establishments proven strategies to reduce the likelihood of being robbed and to survive robbery if one does occur.

By implementing Crime Free Business strategies, retail businesses have reduced robberies by up to 45 percent and other violent crimes like assaults and batteries to employees by nearly 30 percent.

What is involved in participating in the Crime Free Business program?

There are three phases to becoming certified as a Crime Free Business:

• 2-hour training session for business owners and/or managers
• On-site security evaluation
• On-site business follow-up

Businesses are asked to comply with seven, low-cost measures to reduce their chances of being robbed or a target of other crimes. The 7-step program includes:

• Employee Training
• Cash Management
• Lighting
• Visibility
• Access Control
• General Appearance / Facilities Management
• Crime Prevention Signage

What are the benefits of being certified as a Crime Free Business?

• Improved safety and security to business owners and managers, employees and customers
• Increased customer volume-Participation in the program is good for business
• One-on-one access to an Oxnard Police Department crime prevention specialist
• Program specifically tailored to the security and safety needs of your business
• Program materials, including employee training brochures and video, decals, and employee manual
• Updated and ongoing information on local crime and crime prevention strategies
• Invitations to Crime Free special events, such as training in advanced security systems (i.e. purchasing and installing video surveillance equipment) and training in advanced loss prevention procedures (i.e. check fraud)

What is the cost of enrollment?

Crime Free Business is free to all businesses located in the city of Oxnard.

Crime Free Platinum

Want to enjoy more benefits from being a certified Crime Free Business? Upgrade to the optional Crime Free Platinum program and you may qualify for significant discounts on business insurance premiums. For more information, visit http://crimefreeplatinum.com.

How can I get more information or sign up for Crime Free Business?

Contact Detective Marty Ennis
Phone (805) 385-8349
MartinEnnis@OxnardPD.org