Whether you own a business or are employed by one, you can contribute to preventing and reducing the risk of crime occurring in your work place.

Business Watch SA can provide further help and support with crime prevention, or contact your local Crime Prevention Section for a copy of the Business Security booklet, or download it yourself from the links opposite.

 

Building design and layout

• Have an open, uncluttered environment with a clear, well lit view of the premises, particularly the sales area, from both within and outside the building.
• Rear access points should be well lit.
• Make sure that members of the public cannot gain access to staff rooms, stock rooms, behind the counter areas etc.
• Sales counters should be monitored and secured at all times. Raised platforms and deep counters can provide added safety for staff.
• Make sure members of the public can't see into the register, and that they can't reach into it.
• Display signs advising customers to 'Remove helmets before entering the building' and saying 'Minimum cash kept on premises'.

Security devices

• Make sure that locks on store rooms, rear access points, doors and windows are of suitable strength - and that they are used at all times.
• Install electronic sensors to alert staff to customers at times of slow business.
• Consider installing a closed circuit television (CCTV) security system - this can act as a deterrent for offenders as well as provide evidence if there is any criminal activity.
• Make sure that any CCTV system is of the best quality affordable (poor quality images could restrict their effectiveness), is regularly maintained and that no items block the camera view.
• Mirrors can be used to monitor blind spots but make sure they don't show cash handling procedures.
• Consider using security alarms and surveillance devices (e.g. monitored alarms)
• Lock internal office doors and windows and secure the premises when unattended.

Be aware of suspicious behaviour

• Be wary of early or late customers, and/or people loitering just after opening or just before closing time.
• Be aware of people behaving suspiciously or loitering near your premises, especially those sitting on nearby seats or in parked cars.
• Ask for positive identification before admitting technicians or trades people.
• If someone arouses your suspicions, ask if they need assistance. This lets them know that they are being watched.
• Call the police on 131 444 if you have any doubts.
• Practice getting descriptions of people and vehicles, e.g. clothing, height, weight, ethnic origin, tattoos, jewellery, property carried, make and model of vehicle etc.

What your employees can do

Train your staff to become security aware. Make sure they:

• take extra care when opening or closing the business, including checking for unwanted intruders that may be hiding in toilets or other isolated locations
• know how to use any alarms and security devices
• do not discuss cash handling procedures or security measures with any person not connected to the business
• know what to do in case there is an attempted robbery
• return all keys and staff passes when they leave your employment.

Information security

• Backup data regularly (e.g. on CD) and make sure you keep the backup copy safe and secure in a different location.
• Where possible, program your computer with a password to restrict access to any sensitive information.
• Use a computer security device to secure easily movable equipment (e.g. use a 'cut resistant' steel cable to secure a laptop to a fixed object).
• Lock laptops and electronic organisers in a secure place when they are not being used.
• Remove lockable hard drives and store them in a secure place when they are not in use.
• Install a firewall and up to date virus protection software.