The Business Watch program is a crime prevention program where businesses watch out for each other. Different, but very similar to a Neighborhood Block Watch where residents of the area volunteer to take weekly walks together looking out suspicious activity and crime. The Business Watch program is conducted with businesses located in the same general area, such as in the Factory Stores, downtown area or any other shopping center/strip mall.
This is a pilot program concentrated on one small block (Ding How building) as the first phase. Merchants and employees will be offered training in a variety of subjects related to work including: security & safety, robbery & shoplifting awareness and prevention, and other employee safety issues. Telephone trees and business directories will be established and a Business Watch & Safety handbook is provided to the participants. However, this does not replace the job of the Seattle Police Department. This program helps to increase awareness of the various ways businesses are victimized and teach prevention methods where business losses can be minimized.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who Qualifies?
- All local businesses concerned with public safety
Why should I participate?
- Business Watch reduces and prevents crime
- Business Watch provides direct contact with the Police Department
- Business Watch increases awareness about criminal activity in the community
- Business Watch helps train employees in how to report suspicious activity to the police
- Business Watch assists the Police Department in crime prevention efforts
How do I join?
- Business Watch is a free program; there are no prerequisites to join.
- If you agree to be a part of this program, you will receive the Business Watch & Safety packet.
- In order to benefit from the program, participants need to place the Business Watch sticker on their window and participate in future public safety meetings/trainings.
- Contact us at for more information.