Burglaries of Seattle businesses increasing during stay-at-home order, police say

SEATTLE — Officers with the Seattle Police Department say the number of reports of burglaries of local businesses has nearly doubled during the stay-at-home order.

Police said during the last week they received 104 reports of burglaries compared to 54 during the same time last year.

>> Related: Who’s working, what businesses are open during stay-at-home order

Many businesses have closed during the statewide stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Inslee on March 23.

On Thursday, Inslee extended the order through May 4 -- meaning more businesses could be targeted by burglars.

Police gave the following tips to help deter criminals and protect your business:

• Make sure your business’s address and signage are visible from the street
• Post emergency contact information at the front and rear of your business.
• Ensure all doors can be locked with deadbolts.
• Install latch guards no smaller than 11 inches over locks.
• Windows should have secure locks and shatter-resistant glass.
• Consider installing security film on vulnerable windows.
• Remove expensive items from visible store displays.
• Keep your business well-lit inside and out.
• Leave registers open and obviously empty after closing.
• Consider installing cameras and alarm systems.
• Have mail stopped and held at the post office or forwarded to another location.
• Check on your business regularly and work with neighboring business owners to keep an eye on each others’ storefronts.
• For carryout businesses, move tip jars behind customer service counters and add additional signage to let customers know your business accepts tips.

© 2020 Cox Media Group