Business robberies are often higher than usual during the festive season although the festive season is over it does not necessarily mean business owners can let their guard down.
According to the Vosloorus media liaison officer Capt Piet Rossouw, armed robbery is one of the most serious and potentially dangerous crimes committed in Vosloorus. Rossouw shared safety tips to equip business owners on how to better protect their business.
He said a robber commits a holdup because he or she believes that the profit will be worth the risk. By decreasing the possible profit and increasing the risk of apprehension, potential victims can reduce the chance of becoming a target, he added.
“Personal safety is always the most important consideration when planning on how to react to an armed robbery. Businesses must face the possibility of robbery on their premises as a reality, and should prioritize security training in their programs,” said Rossouw.
Safety tips
Opening and closing procedures
• Have at least two employees present during opening and closing times.
• When opening, inspect the business for forcible entry before entering the business premises.
• One employee should search the premises before admitting others.
• At closing time, make sure no one is hiding in the business premises.
Cash protection system
• Keep a minimum of easily accessible cash on hand, both in the cash drawer and in the safe.
• Do not open the safe too often.
• Employees should not count large amounts of cash in areas visible to the public or other employees.
• Exercise caution when making bank deposits, make deposits during daylight hours with more than one person.
• Vary the route to the bank and the time of day.
• Do not make any stops along the way.
• Hide the currency bag in another container.
• Vary the personnel and vehicle making the deposit.
Security measures to be considered
• Premises to have a well-lighted interior and exterior that is visible from the street.
• Place physical barriers between employees and customers.
• Security measures that permit the employee to have a complete view of their surroundings will serve as deterrents.
• For secure areas use doors that lock automatically on closing.
• Have prominently displayed surveillance camera equipment.
• Use a dual key, drop or delay-action time-lock safe.
• Consider a silent alarm system with a hold button.
• Keep shrubbery and trees, which a criminal could use to hide, cut back and be well maintained.
• Vary lunch hours and breaks so several employees are always visible.
• Employees should be trained to watch for and report suspicious actions of people inside and immediately outside the premises. Don’t hesitate to call the police when worried about a potential risk.
• Give customers a friendly greeting and try to look them in the eye when they enter the business.
• Require employees to ask for identification from workers, contractors and guards before entering secured areas.
• Have the counter or work area cleaned regularly to remove old fingerprints.
• Publicise the fact that the business uses good cash protection techniques and good protection equipment.
