Business Starter Kit

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For Business Owners and Managers

Extortion threats against businesses are rising in South Asian communities across Canada. This kit helps you protect staff, preserve evidence, and respond safely.

1. Pre-Incident Preparation

Security Measures

• Install CCTV covering all entrances, exits, and parking areas
• Ensure CCTV records are stored for at least 30 days
• Train staff on emergency procedures (lockdown, evacuation, communication)
• Post emergency numbers in visible locations (staff areas, not customer-facing)
• Keep a printed incident log template accessible
• Identify a private space for police interviews
• Have victim services contact information readily available

Staff Training

• Train staff to recognize suspicious behaviour (repeated loitering, photographing, unusual questions)
• Establish a code word or signal for “call police without alarming customers”
• Ensure all staff know: safety first, confrontation never
• Role-play scenarios: phone threat, in-person demand, suspicious package

2. Incident Response Protocol

Immediate Response (First 10 Minutes)

1. Ensure staff and customer safety — evacuate or lock down if needed
2. Do not confront the suspect — observe from safety
3. Call 911 if there is immediate danger
4. Preserve the scene — don’t clean, move items, or reset systems
5. Notify owner/manager (if not already present)
6. Document what you saw — time, description, vehicle, words used

Evidence Preservation Checklist

• Screenshot all digital communications (texts, emails, social media)
• Preserve CCTV footage immediately (copy before it overwrites)
• Photograph any physical damage or threatening notes
• Record witness contact information
• Note times, locations, descriptions of suspects/vehicles
• Do NOT delete or alter anything

Staff Debrief

After the incident (within 24 hours):

• Check on staff wellbeing — offer time off if needed
• Connect affected staff to victim services if they were threatened
• Document the incident fully
• Review what worked and what didn’t
• Update protocols if needed

3. Incident Log Template

Print copies and keep them accessible:

BUSINESS INCIDENT LOG

Date: _______________ Time: _______________
Location: _______________________________________

THREAT DETAILS:
Method (phone/email/in-person/social media): ____________________
Exact words used: ______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:
Gender: _____ Age: _____ Height: _____ Build: _____
Clothing: _____________________________________________________
Distinguishing features: _______________________________________
Vehicle: _______________________________________________________
License plate: ________________________________________________

WITNESSES:
Name: _________________________ Phone: _______________________
Name: _________________________ Phone: _______________________

EVIDENCE PRESERVED:
[ ] CCTV footage copied       Date/time saved: _______________
[ ] Screenshots taken         Platform: ______________________
[ ] Physical evidence secured Description: ____________________
[ ] Other: ____________________________________________________

POLICE REPORT:
File number: __________________________________________________
Officer name: _________________________________________________
Detachment: ___________________________________________________

FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Logged by: ____________________ Date: ________________________

4. Insurance and Recovery

Contact Your Insurer

• Report the incident promptly (many policies have time limits)
• Ask specifically about: business interruption, security upgrades, counselling coverage
• Document all losses and expenses

Security Upgrades

If you need security upgrades, you may be eligible for:

• Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP): Up to $3,000 for security measures
• Insurance coverage for security improvements after incident
• Community fundraising (if appropriate and safe)

Business Continuity

• Communicate with staff about safety measures
• Consider adjusted hours or temporary security presence
• Update customers discreetly if needed (“increased security for community safety”)
• Connect with other affected businesses for mutual support

5. Staff Support Resources

If staff were threatened:

Important: Support staff even if they are hesitant to accept help. Trauma responses vary.

6. Community Coordination

Business Association Actions

• Share information about threats without naming victims or businesses
• Coordinate reporting to police (aggregate data helps investigations)
• Pool resources for security assessments
• Request police community liaison presence
• Display solidarity without identifying targets

What NOT to Do

• Don’t organize armed patrols or vigilante groups
• Don’t share victim business names publicly
• Don’t pressure businesses to go public if they don’t want to
• Don’t speculate about suspects or motives
• Don’t circulate unverified rumours

7. Legal Considerations

Your Rights as a Business Owner

• You can report extortion without jeopardizing your business license
• Police cannot compel you to remain open if you feel unsafe
• You can request police patrols or presence
• You can install security measures without permit in most cases

Employee Rights

• Employees who are victims of crime at work may be eligible for workers’ compensation
• You cannot punish employees for reporting extortion or requesting safety measures
• Employees have the right to refuse unsafe work (check provincial legislation)

8. Printable Materials

Download Business Incident Log (PDF) → (Coming soon)

Download Staff Safety Card (PDF) → (Coming soon)

Text for your own staff card:

STAFF SAFETY CARD

If threatened at work:
1. YOUR SAFETY FIRST
2. Don't confront — observe
3. Call 911 if in danger
4. Preserve evidence
5. Report to manager

Emergency: 911
VictimLink: 1-800-563-0808
Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477

You are not in trouble.
You are the victim of a crime.

9. Annual Security Review

Once per year:

• Review and test CCTV systems
• Update emergency contact lists
• Refresh staff training
• Review insurance coverage
• Check security equipment (lights, alarms, locks)
• Assess lighting in parking areas
• Update incident log supplies
• Review relationship with local police

Remember

Your priority is staff safety, not catching the criminal. Preserve evidence, support your people, and let police investigate. Your quick, calm response can protect lives and help stop extortionists.

Last updated: June 12, 2026 Sources: Surrey Police, RCMP, Legal Aid BC, Insurance Bureau of Canada For questions: info@stop-extortion.ca