It's back to school time, and the RCMP are inviting business owners to hit the books as well, with an online security course.

The course titled Business 101 is geared towards helping owners secure their buildings or shops and prevent break and enters.

According to the RCMP there were 4,900 break and enters at businesses in 2018.

Over 350 of those cases happened last September.

Owners can also send a photo of their business to the RCMP through social media, to receive a specifically tailored CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) plan.

Some tips to keep your business safe include installing motion sensor lights, or  keeping an inside light on at all times.

Business owners should also try to remove items that could be used to climb onto the roof, keep windows clear of stickers and posters, and install video cameras and invest in an alarm system.

RCMP say it's best practice to keep valuables away from shop windows or install roll shutters or window bars.

Security pamphlets with more tips can be found at High River, Okotoks and many other RCMP detachments.

To learn more follow #Business101 on RCMP social media accounts like Twitter and Facebook.

 

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