PHYSICAL RETAIL SECURITY
Ensuring that premises are well protected and present a high risk to the prospective offender can reduce the opportunity for burglary. Here are some actions retailers or business owners can take to help prevent crime:
-The premises should remain well-illuminated after closing to ensure high visibility and increase the likelihood of intruders being noticed.
-Grilles or shutters should be considered to provide a solid barrier around the shell of the building to help prevent intruders from gaining entry.
-An intruder alarm system to standard (EN 50131) should be installed and connected to an approved monitoring station to standard (IS 228/97).
-Panic Attack Buttons – double push type – for persons operating in cash areas should be included in the systems.
-CCTV cameras should be strategically positioned, in line with operational requirements, both inside and outside the retail premises. The positioning of cameras at all public entrance(s), with captured images of persons to recognition standard, should be paramount, as this will be an important factor in post-incident analysis and the investigation of captured images will determine their subsequent value for evidential purposes.
-Anti-climb brackets may be installed on conduits, drainpipes etc., to prevent intruders from gaining access to the roof.
-Cash Tills, after trading hours, left open and empty – cash amounts held on the premises should be kept to the minimum in proper security cash safes.
For more information visit: Garda “Protecting your business” article