Chapter 5: Business Safety & Crime Prevention – Protecting Your Team, Customers, and Downtown
Safety is a shared responsibility in Downtown Delray Beach. A secure environment encourages foot traffic, builds customer trust, and reduces costly losses for your business. This chapter outlines practical steps you can take to prevent crime and respond effectively if incidents occur.
Why It Matters
- A safe downtown keeps visitors returning and businesses thriving.
- Proactive measures reduce theft, property damage, and liability risks.
- Collaboration with city departments and neighboring businesses strengthens the entire district.
A. Be Proactive – Prevention is Powerful
The best safety strategy is prevention. Small, consistent steps make a big difference in keeping your property and our downtown safe.
Daily Checklist:
- Walk your property for damage or suspicious activity.
- Know your neighbors—connected blocks are safer. Keep open communication with neighbors to share safety tips and observations.
Consider becoming a Block Captain – it’s about connection, not extra work. Block Captains help keep everyone in the loop, making your block safer, more informed, and stronger.
Contact the DDA for more information.
B. Safety Ambassadors & Clean & Safe Team
Downtown Delray’s Safety Ambassadors and Clean & Safe Team provide friendly, visible support throughout downtown.
What They Do:
- Welcome and guide visitors
- Assist with minor, non-emergency safety concerns
- Act as extra eyes and ears on the street
- Work with law enforcement and city departments to resolve issues
- Provide safe walks for staff heading to vehicles
- Address nuisance issues
Need Help?
Safety Ambassadors: (561) 386-1134
Clean & Safe: (561) 243-7287
C. Lighting, Visibility & Layered Security
A safe, welcoming property starts with visibility.
Lighting:
- Keep entryways, sidewalks, alleys, and signage well-lit
Layered Security:
- Cameras (visible and working)
- Alarm system
- Security signage (“Video surveillance in use” / “Premises monitored”)
- Bright exterior and alleyway lighting
D. Fire, Life Safety, and Accessibility
- Ensure fire extinguishers, alarms, and sprinklers are in working order
- Maintain clear exit routes and follow ADA accessibility standard
E. Reporting Suspicious Activity
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, report it
Important Contacts:
- Emergency: 911 (life threatening)
- Police (Non-Emergency): (561) 243-7800
- Clean & Safe / Ambassadors: (561) 243-7287
- City App – MyDelrayBeach (graffiti, lights out, potholes, etc.)
Report incidents (theft, shoplifting, counterfeit money) promptly to the police, even minor ones – early intervention helps prevent bigger problems. It starts a record.
Tip: Post these numbers near registers and break areas for quick access.
F. Staff Training – Your First Line of Defense
A trained team makes a safer environment for everyone.
Topics to cover:
- Spotting & responding to suspicious behavior
- What to do in thefts, medical issues, or disruptions
- Who calls 911 or non-emergency lines
- Non-confrontational ways to handle shoplifters
- Staying alert during events & peak times
Tip: Simple engagement (“Can I help you find something?”) shows awareness and deters shoplifting.
By staying alert, working together, and using available resources, we can ensure Downtown Delray remains a safe, secure, and thriving place for everyone.