Hold-ups occur where cash, jewellery, drugs and attractive stock lines are removed, under the threat of a knife or a gun. Hold-ups in Sydney can be controlled by installing suitable security devices, and having a clear procedure policy for employees.
Banks have suffered more hold ups than any other business type. Originally, the 4 major Australian banks decided on a policy of giving cash to robbers for the protection of staff. This policy has, however, been dramatically altered over the past 20 years, so that, if a hold up occurs, no cash or little cash is removed by criminals.
The recent hold-ups have tended to occur in hotels, service stations, fast food outlets clubs and retailers of all kinds, because of the stronger bank security.
So what can be done to protect business against hold up?
(1) Physical security measures for hold up protection
A good safe is obviously required. But against a knife or a gun, the safe is always opened by staff. Therefore, much more is needed:
* Fit a time lock to the safe or ATM. This locks the safe for 1 hour or more.
* Fit time delay to the safe or ATM lock. Most hold ups take 90 seconds or less. Time delay slows the opening process.
* Fit duress (silent hold up alert) to safe or ATM’s combination lock. If your business has a hold up, the secret number you dial can be sent to your 24 hour monitoring company. Police will be notified. Response will be prompt.
* Fit under counter drop boxes. This container allows staff to secure excess cash from the cash drawer.
* Fit hold up buttons and carry duress pendants.
* Build a secure room into your business premises (and your home). Fit a solid timber door, deadlock and a steel grille on any windows. Fit a phone extension in this room. Keep the safe inside this room.
* Fit steel posts or bollards in front of driveways, shop fronts.
(2) Electronic Security designed to stop or delay hold up
* Fit a quality alarm system with hold up buttons.
* Connect the safe lock into the alarm system.
* Monitor the alarm 24 hours (the under rated security device in businesses). Under no circumstances connect the alarm to a mobile phone. If your business is a high risk target, fit a second alarm. The second alarm system could be wireless or use another pathway such as GPRS, GSM or the Internet communication system.
* Fit a CCTV Surveillance camera system.
* Do not fit dummy cameras. You can be sued if a hold up occurs, and there is no surveillance to protect your staff.
(3) Personal Security
* Count cash behind locked doors.
* All staff should wear professionally made identification badges carrying a photograph. Some clubs and larger retailers use name badges and the company name. These simple badges are easily duplicated or stolen.
* Employ a Security Guard. This could be at the end of the days trading, the Guard can usher staff into their car, and be present for the cash count.