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Crimes against business are usually crimes of opportunity and theft can take many forms. Yet, by taking positive steps you can keep it to a minimum.

Here are some recommendations from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business that can help make your business more secure:

• Maintain a neat and tidy business both inside and out.

• Maintain adequate lighting inside and out.

• Remove any displays or stock that provides a hiding place.

• Greet or assist customers as they come into the store. A robber does not want to be identified.

• Ask people who are loitering if they need any assistance. A robber does not like attention.

• Be active and alert. Do not be caught off guard.

• Have all side or service doors locked at all times.

• If your business is equipped with an alarm system, make certain it is properly serviced and that all staff knows how and when to use it.

• Keep float levels at a minimum. Do not create an attractive target by having a large amount of cash in the till.

• Do not count cash or open the safe in public.

• Make regular bank deposits but at irregular times. Do not set a pattern and use an unmarked package to transport the money.

• Be suspicious of persons asking about your security or cash-handling system.

• Install window stickers, height markers and cash handling stickers to advertise your involvement in the crime proofing program.

• Keep the police emergency number on or by the phone at all times.

• Encourage police vehicles, as well as taxis, to use your business lot, especially during evening and night hours of operation.

• Have deliveries made, where possible, during evening or night hours of operation to promote increased activity around the store.

• Note the description and contact the police immediately if you become suspicious about a person or a vehicle.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is Canada's largest association of small and medium-sized businesses, representing more than 105,000 business owners who employ 1.25 million Canadians and account for $75 billion in GDP. CFIB has 4,500 members in New Brunswick.