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How to avoid a robbery in your business
- Install secure locking systems in all the accesses to the premises, including the store, courtyards, staircases and windows. These systems must allow for evacuation in case of emergency.
- Install an alarm system which is visible from the outside and connected to a central monitoring station in contact with the police.
- Make sure all the security devices on the premises are visible: alarms, safes, fire extinguishers and hoses.
- Make sure there is nobody left on the premises when locking up. Remember to arm the alarm systems.
- Leave a light on at the front of the building during closing hours. This will help to dissuade anyone from tampering with the locks and blinds.
- Display the emergency plan evacuation routes. This will facilitate the work of the fire brigade and the police, given the case.
- Consider taking extra measures in common spaces (halls, staircases, etc), and reinforce isolating elements (doors and partitions) if the premises are adjacent to other buildings.
- The type of business permitting, it is advisable to install a buzzer to control the main entrance, which may be opened by passing a bolt or by a remote lock control device.
- The installation of a silent alarm button is to be recommended.
- Install intercom systems (telephones, interphones, walky-talkies, etc) connecting the different areas of the premises.
- Set up a staff communications code so that in case of an incident they can communicate without alarming the clients.
- Assess the benefits of installing a monitoring system that permits observation of the whole premises (mirrors, cameras, etc), because as well as making surveillance easier it is a dissuasive factor.
- Anchor items for sale or tag them electronically, and keep more expensive items out of reach of the public.
- Keep a register of stock on display in the shop and also in the storerooms. This will help you to draw up a loss inventory after a robbery.
- Do not wait to the last minute, just before closing, to count the till. Also, it is best done out of sight of the public and accompanied.
- Set a limit for the amount of money in the till and withdraw the excess amounts during the course of the day, leaving only the necessary amount of change. Depending on the characteristics of the business, evaluate the advantages of installing safes with a time-delayed combination lock, in full view of the public, indicating that staff have no access.
