Message to downtown businesses from the MPD’s First Precinct

Business owners:

• Make sure your management team and staff review your security plan
  • Review policies on theft, shoplifting, robberies, and burglaries
  • Make use of formal Trespass
• If your business is to be closed during the local emergency declaration
  • Review your security plan
  • Remove all cash and valuables from the business LEAVE YOUR CASH DRAWERS OPEN AND EMPTY.   Remove or secure items of opportunistic theft. LOCK UP YOUR LIQUOR.
  • Ensure your security system is operational and accessible AND THAT YOU PROPERLY ARM IT WHEN NOT PHYSICALLY PRESENT
  • Review security procedures and determine if staff/security is needed during “normal business hours”.  Even though the business is closed during what would be normal business hours, it may be beneficial to have a person(s) on site as a point of contact and/or for security.  If you are able, maintain some level of security presence.  When the business is traditionally closed, then normal security measures can be used.
• If your business is limited to delivery, takeout and drive through orders
  • Review your security plan and staffing plans
    • Review policies on robbery and theft
    • Since there are limited people in the business, review your policies on cash on hand and other polices to reduce the opportunity for a robbery and/or theft to occur
  • Control access to the establishment for customers coming in for pickup, maintain safe spacing
    • Lock all doors that are not being used for the operation of your limited business
  • Train staff to be observant and report suspicious people within or around your business
  • If you are using your own delivery drivers, review security plan with drivers.  DO NOT LEAVE VEHICLES RUNNING WHILE MAKING DELIVERIES. Shut the car off and TAKE YOUR KEYS.

Rental property owners, managers, and security:

• Be aware of how many vacant units you have
• During this time, it would beneficial to have your property management team or designated staff conduct walk through of your proprieties – be aware of what is happening at your property(s)
  • Check all screens for any damage
  • Ensure all windows and doors are locked
  • Follow your established health and safety policies
  • Encourage residents/tenants to follow good building security and personal safety practices.  Do not allow unknown people into the building.
  • Always lock individual unit/office doors – even if only stepping out for a few minutes

The 1st Precinct’s Command Staff, Investigators, Officers, Crime Prevention Specialists and DID will continue to:

• Monitor incidents in the 1st Precinct
• Identify crime trends
• Be as available as possible to answer questions about incidents
• Provide relevant updates to ongoing incidents
• Send out crime alerts and updates should incidents develop
• Respond to 911 calls including burglary alarm calls and 911 calls reporting burglary.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Crime Prevention Specialist Renee Allen
[email protected]

Crime Prevention Specialist Carla Nielson (Cedar Riverside)
[email protected]

Safety Communications Center 612-332-1111
1^st Precinct Front Fesk 612-673-5701

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS, AND ALWAYS CALL 911 IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OR WITNESS CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.