Columbia Chamber: Building A Safer Business Community

Press release from Columbia Chamber:

August 4, 2021

As we continue to rebuild in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying how we can maximize the recovery of the Midlands’ business community will be the key to success. Advocating for initiatives to promote a business-friendly climate in the region could help attract new investments and economic developments, bolstering our local economy. However, a major hindrance to business growth in any city is rising crime rates, which can discourage companies from choosing to expand to a region.

When a company is deciding where to open a new branch of their business or a new corporate headquarters location, safety is often a top priority. Not only do most businesses want their employees to feel safe and protected in their workplaces, areas with high crime rates can also be a threat to the business’s overall success. Cities with high-crime reputations can be an indicator that a business’s inventory may be at a higher risk for burglary or theft. Similarly, if a major corporation prides themselves on their prestige and branding, they may fear that expanding to a region known for high crime rates could tarnish their trusted reputation.

Crime also impacts communities as a whole. When a community experiences an uptick in crime, whether violent or non-violent, resources are often reallocated to police and public safety initiatives, which can decrease a business’s confidence that they will feel supported and be successful in that region.

These effects are not merely anecdotal. One study found that in Washington, DC, every 10 additional gunshots in a given year were associated with 20 fewer jobs among new establishments, one less new business opening, and one more business closing the same year.

Moving forward, fostering a safe and vibrant community in the Midlands will be critical to attracting new developments and continuing to build a thriving local business scene. Below are tips for preventing crimes in your neighborhood and business so we can start moving towards a safer community for everyone.

Auto-Breaking and Theft Prevention Tips

• Always lock your vehicle’s doors even on your property
• Close all windows
• Do not leave valuables in plain view
• If your car is stolen: call 911, make sure you know your vehicle’s license plate and VIN numbers and try to get a good description of the suspect
• Take a picture of your vehicle for record keeping purposes to show officers to aid in the vehicle’s recovery

Home Burglary Prevention Tips

• Lock all doors and secure all windows anytime you leave your house
• Close and lock your garage door
• Turn on exterior lights at night
• Consider a security/alarm system

Business Burglary Prevention Tips

• Install a security system equipped with cameras and display security signs on the premises
• Increase visibility by keeping the building well-lit inside and outside
• Invest in high quality locks for all exterior entrances

For more crime prevention tips, visit the Columbia Police Department website.

This press release was produced by Columbia Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.