A local program aims to keep Craig businesses safe from theft.

“We just make suggestions on how (local businesses) can overall improve their security,” Craig Police Sgt. Bill Leonard said of the department’s Business Protection Program. “Businesses contact us and we come out and do a security survey and make recommendations on how to improve their security inside and out.”

The Police Department and the Craig Chamber of Commerce partnered to create the Business Protection Program, which is provided free of charge to businesses in the community.

Leonard said the program has served about 10 businesses in its year of existence.

When a business is interested, a member of the Police Department will go out and offer suggestions on how the business can add or change things to limit the likelihood of theft.

Leonard said suggestions range from adjusting the layout of a business and increasing lighting, to getting a full security system with cameras and sensors.

“It’s a wide spectrum,” he said. “Better security is hopefully going to prevent a crime from happening there.”

Chamber Executive Director Annette Gianinetti said the program is a result of the Police Department and the Chamber working together to help local businesses succeed.

“We’re all about making business better in Craig,” she said.

Several local businesses have used the opportunity to shore up security.

Lori Gillam, owner of Stockmen’s Liquor, said the police department instructed her on where to put cameras, what type of locks to use and how to deal with window security.

“They’re helping the community in every way they can by showing us what we need to know as business owners,” she said.

One business owner who had his security system checked said the police department was impressed with the setup.

“I’ve got a pretty awesome system,” Tiah’s Coin & Currency Owner Jim Everett said.

Everett said he has “the whole works,” with security cameras, motion sensors and alarm systems. The entire system, he said, cost him less than $3,000.

Everett recommended other businesses use the Police Department’s protection program and get a security system.

“For $700 to a few thousand dollars you can get a good system, and it’s well worth the money,” he said. “It’s better to invest the money than lose the money.”

Local business owners interested in participating in the program are encouraged to call Leonard at 826-2366.