San Diego isn’t a city that comes to mind when thinking of cities with the highest crime rates. It’s not even the most dangerous city in California (this title goes to Oakland), but it doesn’t mean that San Diego doesn’t see crime at all. In fact, San Diego sees a lot of property-related crimes versus violent crimes. Here’s a look at some of the crime rates in San Diego and how retail businesses (those most vulnerable to property crimes) can protect themselves.

Crime Statistics in San Diego

In 2022, violent crimes increased during the first half of the year, whereas property crimes decreased. Still, the most common crime in San Diego (and all over the U.S.) is theft. Theft, also known as larceny, is the unlawful taking of another’s possession(s). This can fall under many categories, including:

• Burglary- breaking into a building with the intent to steal or commit another crime.
• Grand theft/larceny- property stolen is worth more than a specific amount ($950 or more in California).
• Petty theft/larceny- property stolen is worth less than a specific amount. 
• Robbery- the unlawful seizure of another’s property through force.

For retail businesses specifically, shoplifting is a big problem that ends up costing businesses thousands of dollars each year. Even employee theft happens and contributes to these financial losses.

How Retail Businesses Can Protect Themselves from Theft

Burglary/Robbery Protection

When it comes to making sure that your business isn’t a target for a burglary or robbery, make sure that all of your doors and windows have locks and that they are locked. It’s also a good idea to remove all expensive items from your window displays upon closing for the day. Adequate lighting around your building, an alarm system, and hiring a security guard can also be helpful.

To take things a step further to avoid being a victim of a robbery, you should review the layout of your store so that you can see potential blind spots and other places criminals can hide when executing a robbery. Also, remember that robberies can happen away from your business as well, such as when making a bank deposit. Try not to make your bank deposits at night, and make them during different times of the day. It’s also a good idea to take different routes to the bank each time or even deposit at different branch locations in case someone is watching.

Employee Theft Protection

Unfortunately, it’s not just people outside of your business who may try to steal from you— employees can steal from companies too. This can happen to both small and larger businesses, but there are ways to reduce the occurrence of employee (or internal) theft.

Employee theft can come in the form of stealing merchandise, money, or even sensitive information. To prevent employees from stealing sensitive information, limit access to computers and other devices that may contain this type of information. Also, limit access to safes and cash registers.

It’s also important that you use strict hiring practices and carefully screen all potential employees. This includes calling and verifying all references. It may even be a good idea to implement employment trials to build trust with potential employees.

Shoplifting Protection

Shoplifting is the most common type of theft among small businesses, but it too can also be prevented. Hiring security guards not only protects your business from burglaries and robberies, but this practice can also deter shoplifting. Security cameras (whether they’re active or not) usually deter potential shoplifters, especially if the security cameras are visible. Good lighting and strategically-placed mirrors also make it harder for people to shoplift.

You and your employees should also work together as a team to prevent shoplifting. Teach them how to spot the signs of a shoplifter and how to reduce opportunities for shoplifting, and have at least one employee stand at all store exits. You should also make sure that your store is neat, orderly, and free of clutter, as a clean space makes it easier to notice if something is missing and a cluttered space makes it easier to shoplift.

Overall, San Diego is a pretty safe city, considering that many other cities its size sees more violent crimes. Although San Diego retail businesses may not see as many burglaries or robberies compared to retail businesses in other cities, other types of theft still occur. Because of this, it’s important to know how to reduce your risk of all types of theft.