Take note of vital business robbery safety tips for the festive season

Cash management:

* Businesses should keep the amount of cash on hand to a minimum and there should be highly visible signs that indicate this.

* Set a maximum amount of cash that should be available in the tills and try not to exceed this.

* During busy periods the cash tills need to be checked regularly to ensure that they have not exceeded their limit.

* Remove excess cash from the tills and secure this in a secure safe which is not accessible to the public.

* Do not count money from the cash register on the service counter/s where everyone can see.

* Do banking on a daily basis to restrict the amount of cash in the tills.

* Vary the times of banking.

* Do not display that you are on your way to the bank.

Controlled entrances:

* Ensure that the premises are not overcrowded.

* If you have a firearm, make sure it is secured and that you have a safe on the premises.

* If you do have a security gate on the premises, ensure you stay out of reach of it, to prevent someone from grabbing you through the closed gate.

Be alert during opening and closing times:

* Be extra vigilant during opening and closing times.

* Work in pairs to prevent being overpowered or surprised, for example, when taking out trash.

Keep a visible list of all emergency numbers:

* Have an emergency number on speed dial.

* Keep a list of emergency numbers, for example, the local police station, 10111, the ambulance, etc., which is visible to all staff.

* If possible, invest in a panic button to be worn on the body.

Persons entering the premises:

* Always check the identity of people who visit your shop for deliveries or other business reasons.

* Verify and keep staff aware of all maintenance being done.

* Insist on verification of people who claim to be Eskom meter readers, from Telkom, etc., who need access to the premises.

Proper identification of staff employed (even temporary staff):

* Verify that the person to be employed stays at the address given as the residential address.

* Ensure that a copy of the original identification document is obtained from all people employed.

* Obtain and verify contact details of close friends and relatives of the person employed.

Keep keys on the premises in a safe place:

* Do not leave the keys in the doors and security gates.

* Ensure that the keys to the premises cannot be easily accessed, to avoid duplication.

After a robbery has been committed and the criminals have left the premises:

* Contact the SAPS immediately on 10111.

* Move everybody outside the premise.

* Do not allow any entrance into the premises until the police arrive.

* Do not touch or allow anybody to move, remove or disturb any item on the scene of the crime.

External environment:

* Report any suspicious looking person and/or vehicle to the SAPS on 10111.

Please be patient and allow the police to collect the necessary evidence from the scene of the crime, as that will greatly enhance the probability of an arrest and successful prosecution.

Remember to call 10111 in case of an emergency.