Prevention and Safety from Business Robbery
Not every pedestrian walking into your business is a customer, and not every vehicle is a delivery vehicle.
Business owners are continuously challenged by criminals in a very tough economic environment and need to be alert and pro-active to protect their businesses, employees, and customers from the threat of robberies at the business premises.
We would like to offer some safety advice on preventative and safety measures for business owners and staff.
Alertness and Safety Awareness
Business owners and employees need to remain alert to what is happening in and around the business all the time:
Be aware of suspicious vehicles or persons parked or hanging around outside the business at deposit time, opening time, and closing time.
Always remain alert to what is happening inside and around your business.
Stay informed about crime trends in the area so that staff can be put on high alert or added security measures can be put in place if required.
Respond swiftly to suspicious activity and notify the police of perceived criminal threats.
Make sure your address is visible to law enforcement so police and emergency vehicles can easily find your business.
Staying active in the community increases awareness and adds more watchful eyes to protect your business.
Use technology such as WhatsApp and other instant messaging tools for awareness and swift responses required.
Be extra cautious if you receive any request to keep your store open after your usual business hours. Remember to notify your security company.
This may be a way for robbers to get you or your staff alone when other businesses have closed for the night.
Security Systems and Features
Security mechanisms include not only the latest in armed response and CCTV camera systems but also more general, often neglected safety features.
Robbers do not like to be highly visible.
With good lighting surrounding your store, potential thieves feel nervous as it’s easier for them to get spotted.
Make your business as visible as possible from the exterior.
The business should be well-lit on the inside and the outside.
Good interior lighting allows people outside your business to see the people inside, and vice versa.
The more visibility that is available, the less likely robbers will want to target your store.
Key areas include entryways and windows.
Keep windows clear of displays or signs and make sure your business is well-lighted.
Eliminate any blind spots that may hide a robbery in progress.
Replace burnt-out bulbs and remove obstacles that cast dark shadows over your business.
Pay close attention to the darker areas around your property and consider installing a motion-activated light around the entrance.
Keep extra doors such as side and rear-doors locked.
Limiting store entrances will force all store visitors to enter and exit from the same entrance.
Entrances should be outfitted with deadbolt locks.
Access control. A door buzzer is a relatively inexpensive way to increase your business’s security without interfering with the flow of traffic.
Windows and doors should have metal crossbars. Windows should have a burglar-resistant glass.
Parking lots should have a fence and gate if required.
Alarm Systems, Security and CCTV Cameras
Alarm systems and security cameras should be installed and announced using signage.
Do not keep security measures a secret as these can be effective deterrents.
Messaging could include security camera warnings, alarm system signs, declarations that no cash is kept overnight, security patrol warnings and other signage that reflects some of your robbery prevention measures.
Your alarm system should be set up to be monitored by a monitoring company, in order to minimize delays and prompt a trained response. This is recommended for safety and increases the chances of success in managing a robbery incident when it occurs.
