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Business Crime Prevention
The Vandalia Division of Police (VPD) prides itself on keeping its residents and businesses safe and crime-free. The VPD offers several programs to help owners improve the safety and security of their business. For more information on any of these programs, please contact Officer Andy Wehner or call 937-415-2272.
About the Bad Check Policy
It has been reported that 90% of money transactions in the United States take place by means of credit cards and checks. Unfortunately, bad checks account for more than a billion dollars in losses each year. With odds like that, it's likely that you, as a merchant, have been the victim of a bad check at one time or another.
If you receive a bad check, the first thing you need to do is attempt to notify the party that issued the check. If you are able to contact them by phone, advise them that the check was returned and must be paid within ten days of this notification. In addition, send a certified letter with a return receipt requested to the address listed on the check. Be sure to record dates and times of all contacts or attempted contacts and keep copies of mail receipts for letters sent.
If you have exhausted these means trying to collect on a bad check, then it is time to contact the police. Call the Vandalia Division of Police at 937-898-5868 to make a bad check complaint. The VPD is not a collection agency, so it is necessary that you intend to follow through with criminal prosecution. In order to successfully prosecute for bad checks, you'll need the following:
- The original check (not a copy)
- The bank flag or official notification of the dishonor
- Name, address and telephone number of the person who accepted the check and who can identify the maker or presenter. If the suspect cannot be identified, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to prosecute.
- A complete record of dates, times, contacts or attempted contact made with the issuer about the returned check. This must include the name(s) of the person who made or attempted to make contact. Keep any receipts showing that certified letters were sent and/or received by the check issuer as well as a copy of your letter requesting payment.
- Active Shooter Training
- Business Security Surveys
- Private Property Tow-Away Zones
- Other Programs Offered
About the Active Shooter Training
The Vandalia Division of Police conducts active shooter response training for businesses, groups and individuals. The Crime Prevention Officer is a trainer through the Miami Valley Crime Prevention Association in Run, Hide, Fight training.
Active shooter incidents have been on the rise in the United States. With this problem, the Vandalia Division of Police addresses and prepares business and individuals should this unfortunate circumstance arise.
The training lasts about an hour and includes demonstrations/scenarios. If you are interested in the training, contact Officer Andy Wehner or call 937-415-2272.
About the Business Security Reviews
Every business owner is concerned with the security of their business. Let Vandalia’s Crime Prevention Officer help you! With a thorough security survey, the Crime Prevention Officer (CPO) can offer suggestions to improve the security of your office. In less than an hour, the CPO will inspect your windows and doors, locking devices, lighting and exterior landscaping - giving you helpful advice to make your business a more secure place. To schedule a Business Security Survey, contact Officer Andy Wehner, Vandalia’s Crime Prevention Officer or call 937-415-2272.
About the Private Property Tow-Away Zones
Business and private property owners alike experience an ongoing problem with unauthorized motor vehicles being left on their lots. Recent revisions of the law have placed the burden for the removal of these vehicles on the landowner or their agent. In order to tow vehicles from your property, you are now required to establish a private property tow-away zone by adhering to all the following guidelines:
- Post a sign on your property that is at least 18 X 24 inches, visible to all entrances, that contains all the following information:
- Notice that the property is a private tow-away zone and a description of persons authorized to park on the property.
- The telephone number of the person from whom a towed-away vehicle can be recovered as well as the address of the place to which the vehicle will be taken and the place from which it may be recovered
- A statement that the vehicle may be recovered at any time during the day or night upon the submission of proof of ownership and the payment of a towing charge not to exceed $90 and a storage charge not to exceed $12 per 24-hour period. For commercial vehicles, the towing charge is not to exceed $150 and a storage charge not to exceed $20 per 24-hour period. The towed vehicle must be taken to a place that is conveniently located, well lighted and in reasonable distance of a regular scheduled route of several modes of public transportation.
- The tow company must have 24-hour phone service and personnel available to release vehicles day or night. The owner/agent must locate a private tow company that meets this criterion.
- The owner/agent must notify the police within two hours upon towing a vehicle and provide the police with the following information:
- The vehicle license number
- Make, model and color of the vehicle
- The location from which it was removed
- The date and time of removal
- The telephone number of the person from whom it may be recovered
Ohio Revised Code 4513.601
It is important that those who own or manage private property familiarize themselves with Ohio Revised Code 4513.601. Failure to comply with the towing requirements of section 4513.601 of the Ohio Revised Code carries a criminal penalty of up to $150 fine. If you have any questions regarding tow-away zones, please contact Officer Andy Wehner, Crime Prevention Officer or call 937-415-2272.
The Vandalia Division of Police looks forward to helping you improve the safety of your business. Vandalia's Crime Prevention Officer is available to come to speak to you or your employees on a wide range of crime prevention topics including:
- Alarm assessment
- Bad check prevention and procedures
- Bank robbery prevention and procedures
- Business checks by patrol officers
- Computer crime prevention
- Consumer fraud prevention
- Employee theft prevention
- Fraud prevention
- Operation identification
- Preventing drug labs on your property
- Preventing identity theft
- Realtor safety
- Robbery prevention
- Security assessment or survey
- Shoplifting prevention
- Trucking cargo theft prevention
- Workplace violence