Police Department

Business Safety & Shoplifting Prevention

Safe businesses help create a safe community. Whether you run a small shop or manage a large store, there are simple steps you can take to reduce theft, improve safety for your staff and customers, and help us better understand crime trends in Spokane.

Looking to Make Your Property Safer?

Spokane Police officers are trained in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) – a proven method to reduce crime by improving the layout and visibility of your space.

Available for businesses and property owners
Call 509.625.4100 to request an assessment
Learn more about CPTED

Preventing Shoplifting

• Greet every customer who walks in – friendly engagement shows that you’re aware and attentive.
• Maintain clear sightlines across your store by keeping displays low and aisles free of clutter.
• Use mirrors, cameras, or security systems to monitor blind spots or back areas.
• Keep high-value items in secured or easily visible locations.
• Train employees to recognize suspicious behavior, such as loitering, frequent returns, or carrying large bags.

Did You Know? Most shoplifters are opportunists. A well-lit store with attentive staff is often enough to deter them.

Employee Safety Tips

• Remind employees that personal safety always comes first.
• Create a clear protocol for what to do if theft is suspected or if someone becomes aggressive.
• Consider working in teams during busy or late-night shifts when possible.
• Install panic buttons or emergency call systems near registers or back rooms.

Why Reporting Shoplifting Matters

• Even if nothing is recovered, reporting shoplifting helps SPD track trends, target problem areas, and support business-focused patrols.
• Accurate crime data helps us advocate for more resources and direct our enforcement efforts where they’re needed most.
• Reports also help us connect the dots between repeat offenders and organized retail theft.

Report shoplifting in progress: Call 911 if it’s an emergency or the suspect is still on scene.

For incidents no longer in progress: Call Crime Check at 509.456.2233 or file an online report.