Top tips to keep your business safe

With the busy Christmas trading period now underway for many businesses, and others planning temporary shutdowns for a well-earned break, business owners are being cautioned to place a high priority on security.

In both cases, businesses become tempting targets for thieves looking for easy access to cash and valuables. However, the risks can be minimised, by implementing the following security measures.

Holiday trading

1. Count and transfer cash behind closed doors and not in public view.

2.  Reduce cash held on the premises to a workable minimum and advertise this prominently.

3.  Implement a system whereby excess cash is removed to a secure area - perhaps a safe with a ‘posting slot’.

4.  Locate cash registers away from doors and keep separated from public areas.

5.  Have only one entrance to the premises which can be easily observed.

6.  Remove promotional or other posters from windows which may obscure staff vision from inside or outside.

7.  Advertise the fact that late operators do not have the key, or combination of, your safe.

8.  Place emergency numbers where they can be easily seen.

9.  Train your staff to establish clear cash register procedures which include the following:

• ­Open cash drawer only while actually being used; and use the cash drawer before merchandise is packaged.
• ­Alert cashiers to avoid distractions.
• ­ Lock cash drawer and remove key when not in use.
• ­ Leave tills open and empty to avoid possible damage by intruders when leaving premises unattended overnight.

10. Before leaving check that no person has remained on the premises (check toilets, other hiding places).

Holiday shutdown

If your premises will be closed for a period of time during the holidays, or you will be operating with a skeleton staff, follow the 12 simple steps below to help protect your business:

• 1.  Display the street/shop number and business name at the front of the business to assist emergency services locate the property.
• 2.  Post warning signs around the business to warn intruders about the security features you have in place.
• 3.  Remove obstacles and rubbish from property boundaries, footpaths, driveways, car parks and buildings.
• 4.  Install security lighting around the perimeter of the business, particularly over entry/exit points.
• 5.  The doors, walls, floor and ceilings of the building should be of solid construction. Limit the number of entry/exit points to restrict unauthorised access.
• 6.  Doors should be fitted with quality single cylinder dead lock sets to comply with the Australian Building Code, fire regulations.
• 7.  Glass within doors and windows should be reinforced with either a shatter resistant film or laminated glass.
• 8.  Record descriptions, models/serial numbers of property owned by your business.
• 9.  If your business deals in cash then you should consider the installation of a safe to provide additional security. The safe should be manufactured and installed to the Australian and New Zealand Standards and should be anchored to restrict removal.
• 10. Limit the amount of money you hold in the cash drawer. 
• 11. Have a monitored intruder alarm system installed to enhance the physical security of your business.
• 12. All ATMS should be placed away from entry points of your shop. They should be anchored to the ground and covered by way of CCTV.

For more security measures to help protect your business year round read Queensland Police’s Guide to Crime Prevention for Business.