The City of Pleasanton has been nationally recognized over many years for offering its residents a high quality of life. One aspect of this high quality of life is feeling safe in the community. Pleasanton is consistently ranked as a safe place to live. It was ranked at number eight in the 15 Safest Cities in Northern California for 2023 from the writers behind Bae Area And Beyond, which analyzed crime statistics for its ranking. Recently, Pleasanton was ranked as 11th safest city in California and 50th safest in the nation. AreaVibes.com notes that Pleasanton’s crime rate is dramatically below the national average for overall crime (-34%), property crime (-27%), and violent crime (-71%).

The work done by the Pleasanton Police Department (PPD) is a major contributor to the low crime rate. A majority of residents surveyed on Niche.com agreed that “the police are very visible and very responsive.” In response, PPD officials say “a lot of credit for this is given to the observant and helpful citizens of Pleasanton who have played a key role in the department's success. People in Pleasanton are very involved in working with the police. Since officers cannot be everywhere at once, citizens are our extra eyes and ears. One of our goals is to partner with every entity, whether a private individual or a business, and eliminate crime before it happens by taking a proactive approach to the problem. Most of the time, this is easy to do and involves only simple, common-sense practices to deter potential criminals.”

Workplace Safety Tips

A free, site-specific business security survey is one of the most valuable resources offered by the Pleasanton Police Department to employers and businesses. A Business Security Survey allows businesses to get specific advice on making their facilities safer and more secure. Many crimes may be prevented simply by making it less convenient for criminals to act, either by removing potential theft targets or making it more difficult for criminals to go unnoticed. To arrange for a business security survey, call (925) 931-5100 and ask for the Force Options Group or the Terrorism Liaison Officer Team. Below, the PPD offers a variety of general security tips and tools for employers.

• Alarm Systems
  Alarms are the premier burglary deterrent, according to the PPD, which recommends that businesses install an alarm system, train employees to operate the alarm, teach them the passcodes, and make sure the alarm system is used. Keep in mind that the City of Pleasanton has an ordinance against false alarms and establishes some requirements for alarm systems. Pleasanton Municipal Code Section 6.56.010 includes, for example, the requirement that “audible commercial alarm systems shall be equipped with an automatic shut off mechanism capable of terminating the audible annunciator after activation within a maximum time of 30 minutes.” Business owners should review this code before installing a new alarm system to ensure it complies with city regulationsSecure Your Facility Check to make sure all doors and windows are locked when the business is not occupied. During business hours, secure back doors to prevent undetected entry. Make sure skylights and roof hatches are closed and locked, and report any needed repairs.  

• Use a Video Surveillance System
  The growing presence of private surveillance cameras can act as a deterrent to crime as well as record video evidence that can be used after a crime has been committed. A good camera surveillance system can contribute to a company’s security, the department says.

• Secure Employee Keys and Visitor Identification
  In traditional office environments, staff a front desk with a security person or receptionist to regulate legitimate employees and visitors throughout the workday. Confirm employee badges on a regular basis. Be familiar with those who work on site. Have a guest log and a system for issuing and collecting visitor passes.

• Secure and Shred Documents
  Make sure records and important documents are secure, which should include all paperwork containing personal information about employees, customers, and the business. Businesses should bi-annually or annually purge sensitive information to help prevent identity theft and theft of business records, according to the PPD.

• Report Suspicious Behavior
  One crime prevention strategy is to be sensitive to things that appear out of place, officers say. Police and security officers look for the unusual while they are out on patrol. The public can aid those efforts by being watchful as well. “The people who are apt to recognize what is out of the ordinary most quickly are the ones who are in the same place every day,” note PPD officials. “Remember, if you see something, say something!”

• Remove Valuables From Vehicles
  Help staff avoid smashed car windows and stolen items by asking them to remove valuables from vehicles. At building and office entrances, post visible notices that remind employees to empty their cars of belongings when they are at work.

There are a variety of actions that individuals can take at their workplaces to decrease potential crime and increase their own safety. As mentioned earlier, the  PPD recommends that employees remove valuables from their vehicles. “Roll-up all the windows and lock the doors,” officials advise. “Do not hide items under clothing, and do not hide items inside bags in your vehicle or in the trunk of your vehicle.”

The PPD also recommends that employees lock up personal items whenever they  leave their desk or workspace. They should also secure their laptops and shut down computers if they will be gone for some time. “Make sure personal information is not viewable on the screen. Think about placing a privacy filter or screen protector on your computer screen.”

In terms of personal safety, people should observe other passengers before entering an elevator. If they do not feel comfortable, they should make an excuse (“I forgot something in my car or at my desk” or “I need to use the restroom") and stay out of the elevator. If people entering the elevator make an employee feel uncomfortable, they should step off the elevator, even if it is not their floor. While taking an elevator, stand near the controls simply as a precaution.

PPD officials recommend that employees who must stay late at their workplace move their vehicles closer to their building, in a well-lit area, before dark. They should work with a buddy, if possible. If they must work alone, they should turn on lights and play music or other sounds to make it appear that several people are working. Employees should make sure that someone else knows when they plan to leave work. Any employee who is not comfortable leaving a Hacienda building or workplace alone can call Hacienda Security at (925) 734-6520 or reach an officer by email at security@hacienda.org, for an escort.

When in a car, officers recommend that individuals keep car doors locked and windows closed. If there are people loitering near an employee’s vehicle, the employee should  not approach it alone. Instead, the employee should call security. Should an employee be followed, the person should go to and enter an open public establishment such as a gas station, grocery store, or police department. Then the employee should call 911 or the police if that can be done safely.

Finally, individuals should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or more credit cards than necessary. If one must transport a large amount of cash, officers strongly recommend getting an escort for the transport rather than being alone. People should keep credit card, debit card, and bank account numbers as well as customer-support numbers for banks and credit cards in a safe and convenient place. Those who become victims of theft should call their credit card companies and banks as soon as possible.

Hacienda Security Services

Hacienda Security offers a free program to all Hacienda properties that provides extra security services throughout the day. A special auxiliary patrol checks the exterior doors of each enrolled site one time every night between the hours of 7 pm and 7 am. In addition to the door checks, enrollees also receive two building perimeter observations. If either of these checks reveal anything out of the ordinary, the Security Officers then follow customized instructions that are developed by each project. Under this program, special assignments may also be given to the Supplemental Security patrol such as verifying that specific entries are secure at specific times or monitoring the status of alarm systems. This helps tailor the program to meet any site specific needs.

For day-to-day security needs within the park, Hacienda Security officers are on high-visibility patrol 24 hours per day, every day of the year. Their presence is one of the best deterrents to crime, accidents, vandalism, and malicious mischief. Hacienda Security officers are available to respond to a variety of security concerns ranging from nuisance issues to property management. Tenants may report common security concerns such as unwanted solicitors, improperly parked vehicles, trespassing, and access difficulties, among others.

In some cases, it is better to call the Pleasanton Police Department non-emergency number for help. These situations include noticing that someone is walking through a parking lot looking into vehicles or checking door handles to unoccupied vehicles, unlawfully gaining or attempting to gain access into a building or business as an unwanted guest, causing a disturbance, making threats of violence, or stealing or attempting to steal items. It is a significant aid to police officers if you can make a note of the physical description and clothing worn by unwanted guests or potential criminals, a description of any vehicles they may be using, and the direction or location of travel by the suspect within the facility or parking lot.

In an emergency, please dial 911. In a non-emergency that requires the attention of a Pleasanton Police Department officer, please call (925) 931-5100.

To reach an on-duty Hacienda Security officer, call (925) 734-6520 around the clock or send an email to security@hacienda.org.

For more information about the Pleasanton Police Department, please visit www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/gov/depts/police/default.asp, www.facebook.com/PleasantonPoliceCA, and www.instagram.com/pleasantonpd.

For more information about alarm systems, the City of Pleasanton, and its ordinance covering false alarms and alarm systems, Pleasanton Municipal Code Section 6.56.010, please visit dev.cityofpleasantonca.gov/gov/depts/police/prevention/na/burglar_alarm_info.asp.

For a full description of Hacienda's Security program, please visit www.hacienda.org/amenities/businesses/security.

To learn about emergency preparedness as a part of business security, please visit www.hacienda.org/news-events/hacienda-online/pulse/2018/life/disaster-preparedness-makes-business-continuity-personal-safety-achievable-goals.