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
