KINGMAN – On Feb 20, The Mohave County Community College Small Business Development Center, held a Safety for Small Business Owners Training at the Kingman Powerhouse Visitor Center, in Kingman. The class was free and open to anyone interested in small businesses. The training was overseen by SBDC representatives Lisa Card and Meghan Borker. The training presentation was conducted by Kingman Police Department Detectives Adam Parrott & Jesse Kennedy. The focus of the detectives’ presentation was advice and tips to lessen or nullify various security risks that damage the small business owners of Mohave County.
The beginning of the presentation covered the importance of security cameras. The detectives suggested that all small business owners should invest in security cameras if they can. And if they do, those cameras should be high quality (clarity and proper night vision), and come with an adequate amount of storage. As detailed by the detectives, security footage is most useful when the subjects are clear. Any footage can be helpful, even a camera that isn’t working can be a deterrent to crime, but the likelihood of catching the subject is better when the police have a lot of good quality footage. Security cameras often come in handy when during investigations of theft, fraud and other crimes. Security cameras were and oft-discussed topic in the training, as they can also help law enforcement when investigating adjacent crimes, unrelated to the security camera owners. “I can’t tell you how many vehicle burglaries have been solved because of a neighbor’s camera” said Detective Parrott.
Next the training turned to other deterrents, for example strength in numbers. The detectives suggested that if someone is leaving work late, they should always leave with someone else, just as a precaution. Multiple people allow for deterrence for crimes, or if the crime is initially attempted, to stop it.
Lastly the detectives detailed various frauds that are committed against small business owners. Employee theft, which constitutes the largest risk of loss. They also discussed fraud perpetrated by customers. Recently in Mohave County, counterfeit bills as low as $10 have been coming up as fakes. As such, the detectives suggest that any bill over five should be checked, before accepting.
The Mohave Community College SBDC works to help and grow small businesses in Mohave County. They will provide confidential one-on-one counseling to business owners, to guide them towards success. Not only do they have trainings in person, but also webinars and classes online. To register go to https://clients.azsbdc.net/events.aspx.
– Michael Morrison
