On Monday, May 12, David White showed up to work around 8:30 a.m. at the Free Press office but when he got inside he thought the building felt humid and as he walked further inside he saw the back door open and several computers missing.

Publisher emeritus Bob Barton had been at the office around 11:30 p.m. Sunday night, May 11, when the lights went out. He thought a breaker had blown so he felt his way to the front door and locked it on his way out.

What he didn’t realize is that thieves had cut the phone lines and electricity, and they were working on kicking in the back door.

Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton said the thieves ransacked the office and took six Macintosh computers, a Macintosh server, several monitors, camera equipment, a Dell laptop, software, CDs and various other office equipment and furniture. She said they also took personal items such as photos, a baby bed for two infants whose parents are in the office, and children’s toys.

When they were done the thieves used baby wipes also from the office to clear their own fingerprints, and everyone else’s in the office, from all the surfaces they touched, Slovak-Barton said.

“The thieves took only Mac equipment. Our circulation department had just installed a brand new PC with all of our circulation files on it. They just kicked it over and stole the monitor. Obviously, they knew that Macs have a better resell value,” Slovak-Barton said.

Crime Prevention: Take a Hard Look at Your Business

Source Philadelphia Police Department “Small Business Crime Prevention”

  Laying a Foundation for Prevention

  Take a hard look at your business — its physical layout, employees, hiring practices, and overall security. Assess its vulnerability to all kinds of crime, from burglary to embezzlement. Some basic prevention principles include:

-- Provide training for all employees — including cleaning staff — so they are familiar with security procedures and know your expectations.

-- Use good locks, safes, and alarm systems. If you have questions, seek the help of law enforcement.

-- Keep detailed, up-to-date records. Store back-up copies off the premises. If you are ever victimized, you can assess losses more easily and provide useful information for law enforcement investigations.

-- Establish and enforce clear policies about employee theft, employee substance abuse, crime reporting, opening and closing the business, and other security procedures.

-- Mark equipment — registers, adding machines, calculators, computers, typewriters — with an identification number (for example, tax identification or license number). Post the Operation Identification warning sticker in your store-front window. Keep a record of all identification numbers off the premises with other important records.

-- Consider the cost of each security improvement you make against the potential savings through loss reduction. Remember to assess the impact on employees and customers.

Burglary Prevention

-- Make sure all outside entrances and inside security doors have deadbolt locks. If you use padlocks, they should be made of steel and kept locked at all times. Remember to remove serial numbers from your locks, to prevent unauthorized keys from being made.

-- All outside or security doors should be metal-lined and secured with metal security crossbars. Pin all exposed hinges to prevent removal.

-- Windows should have secure locks and burglar-resistant glass. Consider installing metal grates on all your windows except display window. Remove all expensive items from window displays at night and make sure you can see easily into your business after closing.

-- Light the inside and outside of your business, especially around doors, windows, skylights, or other entry points. Consider installing covers over exterior lights and power sources to deter tampering.

-- Check the parking lot for good lighting and unobstructed views.

-- Be sure your safe is fireproof and securely anchored. It should be kept in plain view. Leave it open when it’s empty, use it to lock up valuables when you close. Remember to change the combination when an employee who has had access to it leaves your business.

-- Before you invest in an alarm system, check with several companies and decide what level of security fits your needs. Contact your local law enforcement agency to recommend established companies. Learn how to use your system properly. Check the system daily, and run a test when closing.