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It's a production that's mounted every 10 seconds, done with a cast of one or two, no script, no lights, and no audience - yet it brings the producers some $1.4 billion in annual profits, or almost $4 million per day.
Its name is "Burglary" and it's one of the longest-running shows in history, on or off Broadway.
Burglary, defined as unlawful entry with or without force to commit a theft or other felony, accounts for a significant share of the country's serious crimes. Small businesses are popular targets and much of the loss is in merchandise.
Only about one of every six burglaries is cleared by arrest, says the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In the last decade, burglaries in the U.S. have just about doubled. And unlike lightning, thieves may - and often do - strike in the same place twice.
In the face of these facts, business owners and operators, especially those with small operations, cannot afford to ignore burglary prevention.
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Lock the burglar out
A sturdy lock will discourage a timid burglar and at least make a bold one work harder. Experts say the pin-cylinder lock may give the best protection since it's difficult to pick. The lock should be a dead bolt-type, requiring either a key or a knob to set it. Such a lock cannot be opened by slipping a piece of celluloid between the door edge and jamb, a standard burglar's technique that works on locks that catch automatically when the door closes.
The ultimate frustration for the burglar is the double-cylinder dead lock which must be opened by a key from either side, making it difficult for a hidden burglar to get out of the building.
In addition to locks, a bar can be used on the rear door, a favorite entry point for burglars. Bars over windows, skylights, and other openings can also frustrate any unauthorized entrance.
Count the keys
Experts advise that records should be kept on key distribution, and that employees should be required to turn in their keys when they leave the business. Having a master key or one key for both outside doors and inside offices is convenient, but makes burglary a simple matter. It's a good idea to code keys so only the employees know which locks they fit. More...
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