Iowa City police help businesses try to prevent crime

The Iowa City Police Department is equipping a handful of local businesses with crime-prevention tools.

The effort is part of the 3-month-old Crime Free Business initiative, aimed at reducing the opportunities and motivations of individuals who are contemplating violent crimes.

One business taking advantage of this program is Gasby's convenient store at 2303 Muscatine Ave.

“Over the years, this store has been robbed several times,” said owner Brett Bauer. “[It has been robbed] probably more than our other stores combined. So it is always a major concern of ours.”

Bauer's working with Iowa City police officer Jorey Bailey to figure out ways to make his business safer.

Bauer said Bailey has already helped him adjust the store's camera angles and add improvements, such as another mirror and a few decals, to deter criminal behavior.

One of the stickers recently placed encourages patrons to take their hats off and lower their hoods before entering the business.

“These stickers serve two purposes: They not only tell patrons coming in that this is a good place to shop but it also tells criminals you may want to stay away from this business,” said Bailey.

Businesses are also encouraged to keep little cash on hand - only about $100.

“It's good to let people who may want to victimize a business know that they're only going to get away with $40 or $50,” said Bailey. “It's not worth their time, and it's not worth getting caught.”

Neither police nor businesses think the program will stop all crimes. But Bailey said the program's goal is to ensure patrons feel they have a safe place to shop, and remind criminals they could be caught.

Bauer said he wants to make sure he does what's necessary to try to prevent crime from happening. If an incident happens, he also wants employees know what to do to “keep everyone safe.”

Employees said they aren't sure if the program will make their business significantly safer, but say it won't hurt to try.