New Braunfels Police officer Alexandra Jackson outlined strategies for local businesses to combat rising theft, fraud and burglary during a Nov. 5 Downtown Association meeting.

The gist

From Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, New Braunfels businesses saw an uptick in several types of crime, Jackson said:

• Thefts and shoplifting
• Fraud and forgery
• Burglaries

Jackson emphasized that businesses can minimize their risks through proactive security measures and by working closely with law enforcement.

A closer look

Jackson highlighted several common threats to local businesses and provided specific steps for crime prevention. Notable topics included:

• Skimming devices at gas stations: Jackson advised businesses to check for tampered seals on gas pumps to prevent credit card skimming.
• Counterfeit bills: She introduced tools and websites to help employees verify currency, stressing the need for training to spot fake bills.
• Cybercrimes and identity theft: Jackson discussed phishing, identity theft and gift card scams, urging businesses to train employees to recognize suspicious behavior.

Jackson also advised businesses to train employees to spot deceptive actions and take detailed notes when encountering suspicious individuals.

The takeaway

To help businesses stay vigilant against crime, Jackson recommended utilizing the department’s resources, including:

• Authenticity verification: websites to check the legitimacy of checks and bills
• Incident reporting: protocols for contacting law enforcement and the importance of retaining receipts, photos and videos as evidence
• Emergency oreparedness: ensuring employees can quickly access security cameras and emergency contact information when needed