FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 5, 2016 Contact: Kraig Troxell, Public Information Officer, 703-771-5278 [email protected] Alex Kowalski, Public Information Officer, 703-777-0625 [email protected] LCSO Launches Business Crime Prevention Handbook Loudoun County, VA – As a continuing effort to inform the community and work with the Loudoun County business community, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) has developed a Business Crime Prevention Handbook (the “Handbook”). This Handbook is an outreach effort to provide an opportunity to engage with Loudoun business owners and employees and provides recommendations on what businesses can do to prevent crime (before it happens), what to do while crime is in progress (respond/react), and what to do after the crime has occurred (report). The Handbook is available online at Business Handbook. This handbook was initiated by Deputy First Class Gary Ace, a five-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and a twenty-four year veteran of the U.S. Army, while working as a deputy he witnessed firsthand that many Loudoun business owners, managers, and employees needed guidance on how to react and handle different criminal situations. DFC Ace created the Handbook using resources from the National Crime Prevention Council, LCSO Crime Prevention Unit, and LCSO Community Resource Unit. The Handbook lays out crime prevention tips, what to do when a crime is in progress or what steps to take if they are the first person to discover that a crime recently occurred at their business. Finally, the handbook reviews what law enforcement will need from the business owner/manager/employee after a crime had occurred. “Information provided in this Handbook should help prevent crime and further build LCSO’s relationships with the business community,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. “This handbook should also expedite investigations and enable businesses to know the appropriate steps to take.” The purpose of this Handbook is not to supersede existing business policies, but rather to supplement or provide guidance if the small business does not have a procedure in place. The Handbook focuses on common business crimes, including robbery, burglary, shoplifting, larceny, check fraud, credit card fraud, embezzlement, counterfeit currency, vandalism, work place violence, and active threats. The Handbook discusses common business crimes in an easy-to-read, one-page format. Each page includes a brief discussion of the specific crime and provides advice on how to prevent the crime from occurring or what to know and do before the crime happens. The next section offers suggestions on how to respond when a crime occurs. Each page provides recommendations on how to report the crime and what to do after it occurred. Accompanying each crime is a discussion of the Code of Virginia (state laws) and the elements of the crime necessary for a successful prosecution. The Business Crime Handbook also has several appendices that contain links, forms and signage for the business owners or managers to refer to. The Handbook is an innovative method and collaborative effort to reduce crime while increasing successful prosecutions. ###