Press
Shops get Tips on how to Improve Security / Task Force says Security Cameras, Clearing Clutter could cut Crime
Houston Chronicle, August 2007
Shop owners could reduce their vulnerability to crime by installing security cameras and clearing clutter from their windows, Mayor Bill White's Task Force on Convenience Store Security said Tuesday.
The 38-member task force, comprised of city officials, the Houston Police Department and convenience store owners, spent eight months coming up with those and other suggestions.
Officials said crime at convenience stores has decreased by about 8 percent since 2003.
"But, we all know there is too much crime that occurs at convenience stores," White said.
The task force is recommending that the city adopt ordinances that establish minimum standards for the number of video surveillance cameras and the type of lighting to be used.
Other recommendations call for clearing clutter from windows to make crime more visible and minimizing the amount of cash on hand at all times.
Assistant Houston Police Chief John Trevino said the recommendations are "minimal steps, which are very inexpensive and will improve the safety by 50 percent or more."
The task force is also encouraging store owners and employees to know the officers in their neighborhoods.
Zaf Tahir, a convenience store owner who chaired the task force, said many owners support the task force and its recommendations.
The group is also recommending that the Houston Police Department establish a convenience store unit to register stores and monitor crime trends.
The group plans to classify each of the city's 1,600 stores as "high crime" or "low crime" stores.
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THE STATS
In 2006: Houston police recorded 6,962 incidents at 980 convenience stores or their parking lots
Improvements: Officials said crime at convenience stores has decreased by about 8 percent since 2003. |
