Tips to Keep Your Business Safe and Secure

PREVENTING ROBBERY

 Cash Handling

•  The customer service area should be clearly visible from the street. 

• Don’t count cash in front of the public.

• Leave your cash register open and empty after closing.

• Change your cash handling procedures on a regular basis – such as days and times of banking

• Don’t carry cash in a marked bag.

• Clear excess cash frequently and randomly.  

Alarms and Locks

• Use good deadlocks, safes, and alarm systems.

• Place “duress or panic alarms” near the register and store room where they can be discreetly and safely activated.

• Fit electronic sensors that emit a sound when someone enters or leaves the premises.

Windows and Doors

• Window displays and shop fittings should not be obstructed with advertising material.

• Make sure “Staff Only” doors/areas are kept locked to restrict unauthorized access.

• Light the inside and outside of your business, especially around doors and windows.

Store Design and Lighting

• Check the layout of your store, eliminating any blind spots that may hide a robbery in progress.

• Limit the height of shelving or displays – make sure staff have a clear view across the premises at all times.

• Identify possible hiding spots for burglars and install security lighting with automatic movement detectors.

PREVENTING SHOP THEFT

• Prominently display a sign saying that bag inspections may be carried out.

• If you need to conduct a bag inspection, politely ask the customer to open their personal bag.

• If they refuse, ask them to leave the store or if you are certain they have stolen something, call the Police.

• Dressing rooms should be watched at all times and limit the number of items taken in.

• Design the exits of the business so all persons must pass by security personnel or store employees.

• Use mirrors to eliminate “blind spots” in corners that might hide thieves.

• Use cameras, closed-circuit television or one way glass to observe all areas of the store.

• Ensure price tags cannot be removed or switched.

PREVENTING FRAUD

Petrol Station Drive-off’s

• Install a prepay system – pay first and then pump fuel.

• Install a camera system which allows for close-up images.

• Pump visibility is important – make sure pumps are visible from the counter.

• Be careful with quick exit points/avenues from the pumps to the road – they increase the risk of drive-off’s.

Credit Card Fraud

• Train employees to check the signature, expiration date and signs of tampering on the card.

• Ask for photo identification such as a driver’s license or passport.

• Look out for customers who try to rush or distract the cashier or have no identification.

Counterfeit Notes

• Feel the bill. Most people who handle money a lot can identify a lower-quality fake bill instantly just by touching it.

• Genuine currency has slightly raised ink that's produced in the intaglio printing process.

• Compare the bill with another of the same denomination and series.

• Look for colored strands in the paper. All U.S. bills have tiny red and blue fibers embedded in the paper.

• Hold the bill up to the light and look at the watermark. The watermark portrait should match the printed one (this is very important: bleaching & reprinting low value currency is a common scam).