Working Alone - Handling Money

What are some steps that can be taken to prevent robberies?

These steps can help to minimize the risk of violence or robbery. Do: Do Not:

• requirement Greet everyone who enters the store or cab. Be friendly and look briefly into their eyes.
• requirement Move away from the sales counter when there are no customers. Since robbers prefer to enter and leave the store quickly, if the sales staff are not near the counter, the business may be a less attractive target.
• requirement Keep the number of signs and countertop displays to a minimum. Good visibility around the counter and from the outside will help deter thefts.
• requirement If someone suspicious is standing in line, ask the person ahead of them "Are you together?". The person ahead will usually turn around and look at the other person, and this action may deter the robbery.
• requirement Wear conservative clothes (such as your uniform).
• ppe Look for anyone who appears to be loitering in or around the store. If they do not leave, call the police and ask for a patrol check.
• requirement Hire extra staff or security personnel for tasks or times of day that are assessed to be of higher risk.
• requirement Consider closing during high- risk hours (late at night, early in the morning).
• requirement Use surveillance or, install visible security cameras as these methods may deter the robbery
• requirement Keep a charged mobile phone within reach
• requirement Vary the money handling routine,. aAvoid predictable patterns such as taking deposits to the bank on the same day and at the same time
• ppe Do not carry weapons of any type, including pepper spray. Weapons can easily be used against you and are illegal in some jurisdictions.
• requirement Do not stare at a person. Prolonged eye contact may be perceived as a challenge or threat.
• requirement Do not wear jewellery that could be a strangulation or theft hazard.
• requirement Do not use the back entrances to let people in.
• requirement Do not leave by exiting into poorly lit, unobserved areas.
• requirement Do not count cash in public view, stay discreet.

What are some tips for the store design and layout?

• requirement Have good visibility. Are you able to see out clearly, and can passers-by see in?
• requirement Design the counter high and deep enough to provide some physical distance from the robber and protection for the employee (while still being able to serve the customer).
• requirement Keep the cash register located where it is clearly visible to people inside and outside the store.
• requirement Keep shelves low for good visibility inside the store.
• requirement Keep all areas - inside and outside - well lit. Check lighting regularly and before it gets dark.
• requirement Lock delivery doors when not in use (but be sure you are not violating local fire code regulations when doing so).
• requirement Use a security system such as video surveillance cameras, mirrors, height markers, observation windows, etc.
• requirement Advertise the fact that security systems and measures are used.
• requirement If necessary, consider the use of protective shielding or barriers.