If loitering is a big problem at your business, consider the following solutions:

• Post “No Trespassing” or “Business Hours” signs on your property so there is no question about your intentions.
• Keep the exterior well-lit. The entire front of the business, including the parking lot, should be well-lit at night. Install bright motion-sensor lights if the loitering is happening during the evening and nighttime. When you install them, point them in the direction of where the loiterers typically hang out. This way, whenever the sensors detect motion, a bright light shines on the loiterers. When they realize you’ve installed motion sensor lights, they’re likely to find another place to hang out.
• Don’t be afraid to talk to loiterers. You want to politely ask loiterers to leave; this is your right as a business owner. If they become belligerent, you have every right to call the police. Another reason you would be justified in getting police involved is if the loiterers are obstructing passage along the sidewalk in front of your business, or if they are attempting to control any area of your property.
• Assign an employee to check outside. This should be done throughout pre-scheduled times during business hours and it is not a loss in productivity; by doing this, you are actually increasing your profitability by making your business an appealing place to support.
• Don’t be afraid to call police. Whether or not loitering is punishable by fine will depend on the ordinances of your city, but if you have a constant stream of loiterers hanging around, you are well within your rights to get police involved. Perhaps they can patrol your parking lot during the time of day when loitering is at its peak.
• Don’t let loiterers take business away from you. Take these steps to prevent loitering and protect your business.

City-wide business crime statistics for April

• Commercial burglary – 4
• Larceny/Shoplift – 4
• Robbery – 0
• Vandalism to business – 1
• Trespass from business – 1