Crime Prevention Tips for Businesses

• Reduce cash held on the premises to a workable minimum.
• Implement a system whereby excess cash is removed to a secure area.
• Place emergency numbers where attendants can easily see them.

To reduce fraud:

• Only accept cheques and credit cards when presented with an acceptable form of identification.
• Accept credit cards only if signed at the back and with valid dates.
• Hold the card and watch the customer sign the voucher or cheque.  Check and compare the signature on the card against the signature on the voucher or cheque.
• Rub your thumb over the signature strip – the signature strip should be flush with the card and this allows you to detect whether the strip has been tampered with.

Transporting Cash:

Money in transit is vulnerable. When possible use a cash-transit company particularly for large sums of money.

If you choose to transport cash on your own, consider the following to reduce the risk of falling prey to criminals:

• Assign more than one well-trained person to the task.
• Company uniforms should not be worn but if they are, they should be covered by other clothing.
• Avoid using public transport.
• If using private transport keep the doors locked at all times.
• Avoid quiet streets and vary the route and time of travel.
• Do not advertise the fact that you are carrying cash.
• Ensure the time of return is known so an alarm can be raised if necessary.
• Be aware of drivers of vehicles or people behaving suspiciously.

Do not put yourself at risk – hand the money over if you are confronted.