Retail crime isn’t slowing down—it’s evolving. In 2025, California business owners continue to face growing security concerns, from organized retail theft rings to violent in-store incidents.
According to the National Retail Federation’s 2024 Retail Security Survey, California remains one of the top states impacted by organized retail crime (ORC). The report found that retailers across the U.S. experienced a 26.5% increase in violence or aggression associated with theft in just one year.
While many are focused on upgrading surveillance and hiring security guards, there’s one overlooked, and completely free, way to make a major difference:
Knowing how to be a good witness.
In high-stakes moments, the ability to calmly observe, recall, and report what you see can mean the difference between solving a case and letting a criminal walk free.
Why Small Businesses Are Especially Vulnerable
Big box stores might have access to advanced technology and large security teams, but independent retailers and small businesses often rely on minimal staffing, making them ideal targets for theft, scams, and vandalism. Worse, repeat offenders know this—and exploit it.
Many of these businesses operate with:
- Limited video surveillance coverage
- Infrequent patrol or security presence
- Staff who are focused on customer service, not crime prevention
This makes accurate eyewitness reports even more critical. Being able to provide timely, detailed information can help law enforcement quickly respond, apprehend suspects, and prevent repeat incidents.
If you’re responsible for a storefront, restaurant, or warehouse in California, learning how to be a good witness is no longer optional—it’s essential.
The Real Impact of a Trained Witness
You don’t need a badge to make a difference. Some of the biggest breakthroughs in criminal investigations come from witnesses—staff members, business owners, and customers—who notice the right detail at the right time.
A trained witness knows what to look for, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to preserve important information.
Why trained witnesses matter:
- Descriptions of people and vehicles help track suspects
- Timelines confirm alibis or reveal contradictions
- Immediate reports lead to faster police response
- Detailed statements can support prosecution efforts
A security guard may be the first line of defense, but everyone on your property has a role in supporting safety.
Related Reading: Why Security Patrols Are Now a Must-Have for Businesses Affected by Homelessness
What Law Enforcement Actually Needs From Witnesses
Not all witness reports are helpful. In the chaos of a crime or emergency, it’s easy to panic, forget key details, or give vague information. But there are practical ways to improve your observation skills—and ensure you’re supporting the investigation, not confusing it.
Key details officers need:
- Suspect description (height, build, clothing, distinguishing features)
- What the suspect said or did
- Vehicle details (make, model, license plate, direction of travel)
- Time of the incident and duration
- Any accomplices or suspicious behavior before the event
Tips to be a better witness:
- Remain calm and avoid confrontation
- Mentally note specifics: shoes, tattoos, bags, or voices
- Document what you saw and when as soon as it’s safe
- Preserve the scene—don’t touch or clean up evidence
- Share your account with law enforcement first, not social media
Just like conducting a business security assessment helps you prepare your property, training to be a better witness helps protect your people.
Learn It Live: The STAART Workshop
Want to practice these skills in real life?
The STAART “How to Be a Good Witness” Workshop is a free, in-person event created to give business owners, managers, and community members the tools to observe and report effectively.
Event Details:
- 🗓️ Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
- ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
- 📍 Location: Stockton Chamber of Commerce, 1776 W March Ln #170, Stockton, CA
- 📧 Register: Click here to reserve your spot
You’ll learn from Lawrence Borgens, a 40-year security veteran and co-founder of Delta Protective Services, and Jeff Derman from the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office.
“The key is having the right person, in the right place, at the right time.” – Lawrence Borgens
Bring your questions, take notes, and leave with real-world tools to protect your business.
How to Set Up Your STAART Loss Prevention Portal
The STAART platform offers a FREE Merchant Portal that helps you collaborate with other businesses, track incidents, and connect with local law enforcement.
Benefits of the STAART Portal:
- Report and track incidents in real time
- Access alerts from nearby businesses
- Identify repeat offenders with shared info
- Communicate directly with city safety officials
Getting Started:
- Download the STAART app (available for iOS and Android)
- Register your business using your Chamber credentials
- Set up your Merchant Profile and preferences
- Start reporting and receiving alerts instantly
This kind of proactive, community-driven tool is rare—and it’s completely free.
Helpful Resource: California Retailers Association regularly publishes updates on legislation and retail crime trends you’ll want to follow.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Being a good witness doesn’t require special training or expensive tools. It just requires awareness, intention, and a willingness to act.
As crime grows more organized and unpredictable, witnesses become the eyes and ears of our communities. When individuals take ownership of their role in public safety, it supports law enforcement, protects employees, and builds trust between businesses and residents.
In today’s climate, silence is costly. Observing and reporting accurately is powerful.
Final Thought: Community Safety Starts With You
Your business is more than just a storefront—it’s part of the fabric of Stockton. When you engage with community safety efforts like STAART, attend trainings, and empower your team to report effectively, you do more than protect your own business.
You protect your neighbors. You support law enforcement. You strengthen your city.
Join the movement toward safer streets and smarter crime prevention. Become a business leader who knows how to be a good witness—and teach your team to do the same.📍 Register for the STAART Workshop now:
https://cm.stocktonchamber.org/events/details/staart-how-to-be-a-good-witness-5075018