**Keeping Our Community Safe: Tips for Retail Businesses to Prevent Robberies**
Ensuring the safety of our community is a shared responsibility. Here are some important tips for retail businesses to help prevent robberies and protect your staff and assets:
* **Minimise Cash On-Hand:**
* Keep only enough cash in the register for immediate transactions.
* Deposit excess cash frequently throughout the day, especially during slower periods.
* Consider using a drop safe for additional security.
* **Maximize Visibility:**
* Ensure the store’s interior is well-lit, especially near cash registers and exits.
* Keep windows and doors clear of excessive posters or displays that could obstruct views.
* Trim shrubbery around the business to eliminate potential hiding spots.
* **Secure Entrances & Exits:**
* Always keep back doors and unused exits locked and alarmed.
* If appropriate for your business, consider installing a buzzer system for entry during non-peak hours.
* Ensure that door locks are strong and in good working order.
* **Utilise Security Cameras:**
* Install high-quality, visible security cameras both inside and outside your business.
* Ensure cameras cover all entrances, exits, cash registers, and sales floors.
* Regularly check that cameras are functioning correctly and recording clear images.
* **Staffing & Training:**
* Have at least two employees on duty, especially during opening and closing hours.
* Train all employees on robbery prevention procedures, including how to observe and report suspicious activity.
* Emphasise the importance of cooperation and not resisting during a robbery; staff safety is paramount.
* **Establish Communication:**
* Ensure all staff know how to quickly contact the police in an emergency.
* Have a clear communication plan in place for reporting suspicious individuals or activities to management and law enforcement.
* **Build Community Connections:**
* Get to know neighbouring businesses and share information about suspicious activities.
* Report any concerns, no matter how small, to the police.
**Remember:** The safety of you and your employees is the top priority. If a robbery occurs, cooperate with the robber and prioritise personal safety over property.