Business Crime Watch Organization

The Police Department welcomes a new Business Crime Watch member with a notable success story: Lincoln Square Shopping Center at
770 E. Road to Six Flags in Arlington.

• Burglaries

• Homeless people

• Vandalism and graffiti

• Illegal dumping

• Soliciting

• Skateboarding

Dunhill reviewed their private contract security service and found inconsistencies and omissions in the service's reporting. (One example: on the same night that Arlington Police arrested and jailed a burglar found breaking into the roof of one of the businesses, the security service report stated, “All was quiet.” )

Management then “connected” with the Arlington Police Department, with the following results:

• A Business Crime Watch Program was started that required tenants to participate.

• Window decals were posted in all storefronts announcing participation in the program.

• Crime Watch Signs were placed at entrances around the property.

• Meetings were (and continue to be) held with tenants, management, and officers from the Police Department.

• An emergency call-up system was set up by tenants to communicate potential criminal problems to each other.

• Tenants were required to report ANY suspicious activity to the Police Department and their own management.

• Criminal trespass warnings were issued to homeless people on the property (and some arrests were made).

• Trespass warning signs were posted along boundary fencing in parking lots.

• Exterior lighting was improved.

• Off-duty Arlington police officers were employed as security officers.

• A “Cop Shop” was set up in management's offices, allowing officers to take short breaks and telephone in reports.

• Mailers were used to inform all tenants of criminal problems on the property.