It seems there’s news of a holdup at a dairy or small retail business every other day.

Make you nervous? What’s going on?

Is it the price of cigarettes? Too many drugs? Or bored teenagers? Who knows. One thing’s for certain – it’s a big risk for retail owners and workers. We’re talking life or death.

As a retail business owner, what can you do about managing this risk? You can’t justify the high-tech security of a bank. Security guards are probably beyond your budget. So what are your options?

Well, thankfully a there are a few things you can do right now to improve your security and deter robbers. They don’t cost the earth and are fairly easy to implement.

5 things you can do to instantly improve security in your shop

1. Practice your procedures

Do your staff know what to do in the event of an armed hold-up? Make it clear to staff what they should (and shouldn’t do) in the event of a robbery. Practice your procedures so that everyone knows what to do. The key thing to remember – cash and stock can be replaced. Your safety and the safety of other staff and customers come first every time.

2. Manage your cash

Take money to the bank? Don’t do this at the same time every day. Try and alter your routines so you don’t make it easy for anyone staking out your premises. Use cash drop boxes to minimise frontline cash holdings.

3. Make your security obvious

Show would be robbers (and shoplifters) that you’re watching them. Use signage and/or monitors with live video feed from your security cameras. Make sure everyone who walks in the door know’s you’re watching them.

4. Panic buttons

Installing panic buttons as part of your alarm system can help ensure an early response. Correct use of these should be part of your security training.

5. Capture the evidence

CCTV/security cameras have a role in prevention as well as providing valuable evidence to help police apprehend offenders. The use of well positioned, high definition cameras make it a lot easier to identify offenders – step one towards capturing them.

Get your security sorted today

Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action today and get your security sorted.

The most important thing is to make sure your staff stay safe and don’t put themselves in danger. Cash and stock can be replaced.

And look out for our next blog – CCTV Success Stories. How two of our customers used CCTV to catch the culprits quick smart (and deter future offenders).

Need help? We can talk you through the security options for your business. Today’s alarm and CCTV systems are packed with features and are very affordable.

Interested to find out more? Give me (Gavin) a call on 027 578 1298 or request a quote

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