Business Watch is a program that started in November of 2005 through an initiative of a local businesswoman, Susan Reynolds, who had seen a similar program in another part of South Carolina. Greenville Police started a unique program that includes week day emails to city businesses which are signed up for the program. Participants receive an e-newsletter that details Part I type crimes reported (such as Armed Robbery, Burglary, Autobreaking and Auto Theft).
A Crime Analyst for the Police Department will include a synopsis that details current crime patterns in neighborhoods and in the business community. They review arrests made and share progress in investigative cases. Business Watch members also receive Wanted Fliers and fliers that detail crime patterns that affect City residents, such as scam artists and unidentified criminals from surveillance videos.
The Business Watch program has been well received by the business community and members of the Greenville Police Department. Police Investigators say that tips from the program have led to arrests in major cases such as an Autobreaking series and thefts from businesses on Augusta Road. The program currently boasts over 1,500 members, and other Law Enforcement agencies have been trained by the City Police Crime Analysis Unit because they have expressed an interest in starting programs of their own. The City of Anderson currently operates a Business Watch program.
To view a sample issue of the Business Watch e-newsletter click here.
For additional Information contact the Business Watch Coordinator at (864) 467-5475
TO SIGN UP
If you are a licensed business within the City limits of Greenville,
please email us at: businesswatch@greenvillesc.gov
You must include: Name of Business, Full Street Address,
Name and Title of Contact Person,
Phone Number and Email Address.
