Safety tips for business owners

THERE has been a noted increase in business robberies over the last few weeks across the Durban area.

Businesses are being hit in the early hours of the morning and in the late afternoons at closing. In light of this, Enforce Security urges business owners to take precautions to prevent falling victim to a robbery, and what to do should you find yourself in such a situation.

To prevent a robbery:

– Maintain visibility throughout your store. Keep your windows and doors clear of signs that can possibly hinder visibility. This not only allows for people outside to be able to see inside the businesses, but for the staff to be able to see outside.

– When customers walk into the store, maintain eye-contact with them as you greet them. Not only will this improve customer relations, but sends the message that they have been recognised.

– Keep your premises well lit. Both internally and externally. Thus eliminating places for criminals to hide.

– Ensure that you have an effective cash control programme in place. Keep the smallest amount of cash possible in the store.

– Should money need to be kept on the premises, lock it in a safe.

– Display clear signs around your store that your premises are guarded by CCTV cameras and that you have an alarm system.

– Keep any side doors or back doors locked at all times to prevent unauthorised entry.

– Most importantly, take precautions when opening and closing the store. Call your security company to send someone to monitor the premises as you open/close.

– Install panic buttons around the premises and ensure that all staff members are familiar with their locations. -You can also purchase mobile panic buttons that staff can carry on their persons and access immediately.

What to do during a robbery:

– Remain calm and do not resist.

– Comply with all demands made by the robbers and do not make eye-contact.

– Assure the robber(s) of your cooperation and make slow, steady movements. Should you need to make any unusual movements, communicate this to them calmly so that they are not threatened by what you are doing.

– Try to take note of as much detail as you can, such as accents and language, clothes that the robber(s) are wearing. This will all help with the investigation.