Successfully Surfing the Crime Wave

Crime has skyrocketed in every metropolitan center nationwide since the summer of 2020.  It seems like there's a major shooting at a bowling center every month, sometimes two!  While your insurance will pay to defend you from the inevitable lawsuit, they can't restore your reputation for a safe and fun environment; which means avoidance is the best strategy. So how do you make sure your center doesn't get hit?  Here are a few steps you should take to avoid and defend against a devastating violent incident at your center:

• Do not post your closing hours on your website or on Google/Yelp if they're after 11PM.  Most criminal activity takes place after midnight--so we don't want to advertise that you're open for trouble.  This also gives you the freedom to close your doors at will should you start to notice a problem crowd entering the facility.
   
• If your demographic has changed to include suspected gang members or you've had an uptick in the number of arguments and fights, then you MUST hire security.  Security, including off-duty police, need to be hired properly, however. .  DO NOT JUST SIGN A SECURITY CONTRACT WITHOUT REVIEW! 
   
• Review your music selection, a need for a dress code, and your service hours. Do you close down alcohol service at 11PM for instance even though you're open later, in an attempt to deter the wrong demographic?
   
• Emphasize and train all staff to be on high alert for possible gang activity, loitering, suspicious behavior, or arguments.  They should report all suspicions to management and anything serious should result in a call to police immediately.  
   
• Ensure all your interior and exterior cameras are working and post signs announcing your property is under video surveillance.  Then make sure your DVR is working properly and upgrade so that it can preserve at least 30 days of footage.  60 days would be even better.

WBPI is happy to review your security strategy and security contracts. Contact Cameron Linder at [email protected]