SAN FERNANDO : Merchants Launch New Business Watch
A group of merchants from San Fernando and Sylmar met with Los Angeles Police Department officers this week to organize a new Business Watch security program in their area.
Flip Smith, organizer of a successful Van Nuys-based Business Watch, said he was asked to attend the meeting to provide merchants with information on how to start the program, which is based on community policing similar to the Neighborhood Watch program.
Smith, who owns a tire company in Van Nuys, said San Fernando- and Sylmar-based business owners face dramatically different kinds of security problems from members of the program he directs.
“In Encino, we’re worried about recyclables being stolen from their bins,” Smith said. “Out there, people are worried about getting shot.”
Despite the differences between the two areas, Smith said, he told the group that merchants can take basic measures to increase safety.
“It’s really very simple, if everybody comes together, to improve the situation,” he said. “Install better lighting. Don’t carry cash out of the store with you. Get to know your senior lead officer. That’s really what Business Watch is all about.”
Those interested in getting involved can contact Smith at (818) 786-8686.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
