Archive for 2008
Protecting Assets has Costs
By: Steve Woolrich
I recently spoke to the Red Deer Executive Leads Association on the subject of business crime. This group of business savvy professionals has grown to approximately 55 members since it was founded in 1991. They bring together a group of people who are representative of the best business and professional interests in Red Deer.
I attempted to point out to those in attendance that their businesses are likely experiencing various types of losses and that a “proactive” approach to addressing these issues should be a priority at all times. They were receptive and certainly had questions regarding business crime and protecting their assets.
Read “Protecting Assets has Costs”
No commentsPortals for Discovery – ACCPA
By: Steve Woolrich
Proverb – “All riches are multiplied by the simple process of sharing them where they may serve others”
This new category found on the right of our home page will provide a multitude of resources that may assist you, your family, your employer/business, and your community. As we begin to build these “portals” I would like to encourage everyone to share.
It seems fitting then that our first portal be dedicated to the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association (ACCPA). I’ve been an active member for many years and encourage everyone to use their site as a resource – Steve
Visit - www.accpa.org
No commentsCall it off the Wall
Red Deer Graffiti Program – Call (403) 356.8908
Alberta, Canada
If you see Graffiti, call the HOTLINE at the number listed above
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PREVENTING GRAFFITI VISIT www.downtownreddeer.com/graffit.php
2 commentsBusiness Security
By: Erin Fawcett
Red Deer Express
June 4, 2008
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
A new security company that caters to the business community has opened up shop in Red Deer. SeCure Consulting Solutions Inc., owned and operated by Steve Woolrich, concentrates on reducing a businesses risk and protecting their assets. ”This is a full solution for businesses to consider when it comes to security,” said Woolrich, who launched the company in February. ”It will be a multi-layered approach to loss prevention and corporate security.”
Woolrich added his security company can help businesses of all kinds whether it is oil and gas, the transportation sector or the retail outlets, among others. ”Security is an issue for every business,” he said. “It’s just whether they want to address it or sweep it under the rug.”
Woolrich, who has worked in the security industry since 1983, added for the past few years companies have been focusing more on safety rather than security. ”There needs to be kind of shift back to middle ground where they can find that balance between safety and security,” said Woolrich. “Especially, in oil and gas – they are almost out of balance because their security issues aren’t being addressed.”
Woolrich said when a business first contacts him he first does a risk assessment of the company, which allows a business to understand where their weak points are. ”Ideally, I believe every business should be using the CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) model, said Woolrich. ”The City of Red Deer and the Downtown Business Association are getting very proactive in that area.”
SOLID PROTECTION - Steve Woolrich, owner of SeCure Consulting Solutions Inc., is reflected in the window of his vehicle recently. Chad Hipolito/Red Deer Express
After the risk assessment is complete, Woolrich, along with the business, will come up with an action plan. “That’s going to be based on a business budget,” he said. ”We’re not asking a business to do anything they can’t afford or anything that’s too extreme for them – but at least then they’ll have a starting point.”
Woolrich added with any successful security initiative a business has to have a foundation and then start building from there. ”I just hope to be able to address all of their security issues,” said Woolrich. ”It’s about reducing losses.”
3 commentsCrime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)
By: Steve Woolrich
CPTED - pronounced sep-ted, should be in everyone’s crime prevention toolbox. Although its been around for years it has evolved into a very practical and comprehensive approach to preventing crime and loss. It works in almost any application ranging from residential communities to industrial business parks, inside offices and around structural exteriors. In fact, if you can build it CPTED can likely protect it. Although there have been a number of variables there are Five Key Principles worth discussing.
The most popular CPTED concept suggests that our built environment can be designed in a fashion that helps facilitate a reduction in the incidence of fear and crime. Most exciting, is how this idea which has primarily addressed the physical environment has evolved to include social and economic conditions within our various communities. This is often referred to as 2nd Generation CPTED and will be subject for further discussion in the future, as this site develops and more information is shared.
KEY PRINCIPLES OF CPTED
- Natural Surveillance - this involves placing physical features, activities, and people in ways that maximize visibility and optimize the potential to spot suspicious persons or activities. This design concept is directed primarily at discouraging criminal activity by ensuring that public spaces are easy to observe.
- Territorial Reinforcement - physical design can create a sphere of territorial influence. Users then develop a sense of territorial control, while potential offenders, perceiving this control, are discouraged. Defined property lines and clear distinctions between private and public spaces are examples of this application. It can be achieved by using landscaping, pavement designs, gateway treatments, signs, and fences, which create boundaries without compromising natural surveillance.
- Natural Access Control – this concept is directed primarily at decreasing crime opportunities by discouraging access to potential crime targets and creating a perception of risk to offenders. This is a logical extension of the idea of territorial reinforcement. It’s accomplished by designing streets, sidewalks, building entrances, and neighborhood gateways to clearly indicate public routes, and by discouraging access to private areas with the use of structural elements such as physical barriers, security devices, and tamper-resistant materials.
- Maintenance – care and maintenance of property encourages continued use of a space for its intended purpose. Deterioration indicates less concern for and control of an area and indicates a greater tolerance for disorder. Proper maintenance prevents reduced visibility due to plant overgrowth and obstructed or inoperative lighting. Ensure that a building or areas is clean, well-maintained, and graffiti-free (Another opportunity for discussion on this site).
- Activity Support – encouraging community interaction, activities and the intended use of public space by residents and other legitimate users discourages criminal acts. Natural surveillance by the intended users is casual and occurs spontaneously as a result of the increase in legitimate activity.
(Reference: City of Red Deer – “Committed to building a safer community together”)
It should be noted that all of the above principles work in synergy with one another and really do provide what I refer to as “essential” building blocks in any physical environment that people are utilizing. I trust that readers will have their favorite principles such as I do (but that’s another story). CPTED really is Proactive and can make a world of difference. If you have not considered it’s many applications and how it can reduce crime and risk then check it out. It won’t solve all your problems but it’s a great starting point in future projects, existing sites and redevelopment plans.
Never LOOK at the built environment the same way again!
“SEE” & BE “SEEN”
For further information on CPTED please contact us
1 comment