Retailers and cash businesses are high risk categories for targeted theft. Businesses in the liquor, pharmacy and nightclub/bar trades are extremely high risk categories.

These recommendations have been provided by professionals who have extensive experience in retail and cash business security.

 

 

Primary security systems

 

• Get a burglar alarm installed by a professional alarm company!

 

• Make sure your installer has shown you how to check your alarm system is operating properly. Then set a testing schedule every 6 months so you know your system is in good working order

 

• Have your security system monitored by a professional monitored alarm company

 

• Install a CCTV surveillance system for the exterior and interior, particularly at entrances and the till/counter area

 

 

 

Secondary security systems

 

• Consider installing a safe with a drop-chute, businesses which handle large amounts of cash should be depositing sums throughout the day to ensure complete days takings are not held in tills

 

• Consider installing a panic button at the till area

 

• Convex mirrors allow you to see down aisles and in corners where shoplifters are most likely to steal, they are also a good deterrent

 

• Display burglar alarm and monitored alarm stickers/signs prominently on gates, entrances and windows as deterrents

 

 

 

Security procedures

 

• If you sell high risk items such as cigarettes, insure minimal stock is kept on display and on premises. If possible store excess stock in a locked safe, and move all stock to the safe on close of business

 

• Particularly if your business is in an extremely high risk sector such as liquor retail ensure you have at least two staff members on site and visible throughout trading.

 

• Always ensure you have at least two people on site for closing