One of the key ingredients in Pleasanton's quality of life is security. A place where neighbors look out for each other and where each citizen takes ownership of their little corner of the community.

According to the latest survey from Safewise.com, Pleasanton continues to be one of the Top 50 safest cities in all of California. A lot of credit for this is given to the observant and helpful citizens of Pleasanton who have played a key role in the department's success. People in Pleasanton are very involved in working with the police. Since officers cannot be everywhere at once, citizens are our extra eyes and ears.

One of our goals is to partner with every entity, whether a private individual or a business and eliminate crime before it happens by taking a proactive approach to the problem. Most of the time, this is easy to do and involves only simple, common-sense practices to deter potential criminals.

PPD Suggestions

The Pleasanton Police Department suggests these measures to protect your property and keep the workplace safe:

• Remove Valuables from Your Vehicles. Roll-up all the windows and lock the doors. Do not hide items under clothing, do not hide items inside bags in your vehicle, or in the trunk of your vehicle. Employers can contribute to the cause of vehicle safety by posting reminders to remove items at building entrances.

• Secure Your Facility. Check to make sure all the doors and windows are locked when the business is not occupied. During business hours, secure back doors to prevent undetected entry. Make sure skylights and roof hatches are closed and locked. Report needed repairs.

• Video Surveillance Cameras. The growing presence of private surveillance cameras has provided another opportunity for the officers to aid businesses by being a deterrent as well as to record video evidence after a crime has been committed. The right camera surveillance system can make the difference!

• Secure Employee Keys and Visitor Identification. Staff a front desk with a security person or receptionist to regulate legitimate employees and visitors throughout the workday. Confirm employee badges on a regular basis. Be familiar with those who work on site. Have a guest log and a system for issuing and collecting visitor passes.

• Alarm Systems. Alarms are the premier burglary deterrent. Train employees in operation, teach them the passcodes, and make sure the system is used. For information about the city's alarm ordinance, ask for the PPD's Crime Prevention Unit at (925) 931-5100.

• Document Shredding. Make sure records and important documents are secure, which should include all paperwork containing personal information about employees, customers, or the business.  Businesses should bi-annually or annually purge sensitive information to prevent identity theft and theft of business records.

• Site-specific Business Security Survey. One of the most valuable resources the department offers to businesses is a free site-specific business security survey. The Pleasanton Police Department officers are specialists in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED. To arrange for a Business Security Survey, ask for the Crime Prevention Officer at (925) 931-5100.

• Report Suspicious Behavior. Another prevention strategy is to be sensitive to things that appear out of place. Police and security officers are constantly looking for the unusual while they are out on patrol, but the public can aid their efforts by being watchful as well. The people who are apt to recognize what is out of the ordinary most quickly are the ones who are in the same place every day. Remember, if you see something, say something!

The underlying theme to all these suggestions is the idea that many crimes may be prevented simply by making it less convenient for criminals to act, either by removing potential theft targets from sight or simply making it more difficult for them to go unnoticed.

For day-to-day security needs within the park, an option is Hacienda Security. Officers are on high-visibility patrol 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Their presence is one of the best deterrents to crime, accidents, vandalism, malicious mischief, and Hacienda Security officers are available to respond to a variety of security concerns ranging from nuisance issues to property management. Common security concerns that may be reported include unwanted solicitors, improperly parked vehicles, trespassing, and access difficulties, to name just a few.It is however, recommended that you call the Pleasanton Police Department non-emergency number (925) 931-5100 if someone is walking through the parking lot looking into vehicles, checking door handles to parked unoccupied vehicles, unlawfully gained access into a building or business (unwanted guest), causing a disturbance, making threats of violence, and theft of items; just to name a few. It is important when you do call the police to provide a physical description, clothing description, associated vehicles, and direction or location of travel within the facility or parking lot.

Hacienda Security can be reached by phone or email around the clock. Those interested in reaching an on-duty officer can do so by calling (925) 734-6520 or sending an e-mail to security@hacienda.org. Find a complete description of Hacienda's Security program at www.hacienda.org/amenities-business/security. As part of the effort to become more security-minded, businesses need to consider emergency preparedness as well. A comprehensive article about emergency preparedness in the Tri-Valley appeared in the September 2018 issue of Pulse. Find a copy at www.hacienda.org/ho-pulse/ho-pl-2018-09-life-disaster-preparedness-safety.

Personal Safety at Work

Personal safety is also of prime importance. The Pleasanton Police Department offers this refresher on personal safety:

• Lock up all personal items when leaving your desk. Secure laptops and shut down computers if you will be gone for a long time. Make sure personal information is not viewable on the screen. Think about placing a privacy filter/screen protector on your computer screen.

• Before entering an elevator, observe the other passengers. Stand near the controls. If you do not feel comfortable, make an excuse and do not board (I forgot something in my car or at my desk. I need to use the restroom). If the people entering make you feel uncomfortable, step off, even if it is not your floor.

• If you are staying late, move your car closer to the building, in a well-lit area, before dark. Work with a buddy, if possible. If alone, make it look like there are others present - turn on the lights and play the radio. Make sure someone else knows your plans. If you are not comfortable leaving alone, you can call Hacienda Security at (925) 734-6520, to escort you to your car.

• If you need to call the local police from your cell phone, dial (925) 931-5100 or 911 if it’s an emergency.

• When in the car, keep your doors locked and windows closed.

• If there are people loitering near your car, do not approach it alone. Go back inside the office and call security.

• If you are being followed, go to any open public establishment (gas station, grocery store, or police department), enter, and call 911 or call police from your cell phone if you can do so safely.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or more credit cards than necessary. Keep account numbers and 800 numbers in a safe place with convenient access. Call credit card companies and banks if you become the victim of a theft. It is strongly recommended to have an escort when you are transporting large amounts of cash.

The Pleasanton Police Department uses the following social media channels, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Information on these sites includes safety tips, ongoing crime trends, active police activity, police services and social events. As a reminder, the Pleasanton Police Department offers a free service where the Crime Prevention officer will come to your business and speak about overall safety with employees.