Sidewalk Vending Safety Tips

Location and Set-Up

• Conduct business in well-lit areas.
• Stay on major streets and avoid alleys or narrow pathways.
• Conduct business near buildings with working security cameras and/or security guards nearby.
• Select sidewalk vendor space to be in a position with the vendor’s back against a wall to prevent a person approaching from directly behind the vendor. 

Safety Recommendations

• Work in pairs.
• Be ALERT and aware of your surroundings, and do not allow distractions from electronic devices, such as cell phones or tablets, that are not part of the sales activity.
• Do not wear visible jewelry. 
• Install surveillance camera(s) on sidewalk vendor equipment (i.e. cart, table, or display).
• Use personal safety and location finder applications on your digital device. 

• Avoid pulling large amounts of money from pockets to receive payment or provide change to customers.
• Consider making a money drop to the trunk of personal vehicle or residence to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. 
• Install a locking money box to sidewalkto sidewalk vendor cart (i.e. welding to side of cart)
• Consider using digital payments (i.e. Cashapp, Venmo, Zelle).
  

  Long Beach Police Department
  Call Police Dispatch at (562) 435-6711 to report suspicious activity or dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.