According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, crime, from burglary and shoplifting to fraud and embezzlement, plays a role in up to 30% of business failures. To help protect your company (and keep your insurance costs under control), use this checklist:
Employees:
- Do background checks on all applicants
- Train employees on safe opening and closing procedures
- Instruct them on what to do in case of robbery, make it clear that they should never endanger themselves by trying to protect money, property, or other valuable items.
Money:
- Keep the amount of onsite cash to a minimum. Make bank deposits daily and vary your time and routes to and from the bank
- Skim cash drawers throughout the day to ensure that large amounts of cash are not kept in the registers
- Check cash register receipts against your deposits daily to reduce the threat of employee dishonesty
- Immediately mark any checks received as “For Deposit Only.”
Property:
- Make sure that all doors are locked during non-business hours
- Keep rear doors locked from the outside at all times by installing panic locks. Do not use padlocks
- Keep the interior and exterior well lit during non-business hours
- Have a safe on site to store small amounts of cash, important documents, or other valuable items. Change the safe’s combination periodically
- Install security cameras throughout the property, with all entranceways and cashier areas under surveillance
- Set up a perimeter security system with appropriate signage to warn would-be criminals that the property is protected.
Our experts stand ready to review your security procedures at any time. Just give us a call.
