Robbery Prevention Tips for Restaurants

Taking precautions to protect your employees, customers and property is essential when you run a business. Here are some tips, specific to restaurants, to help prevent crime.
 
How to prevent a robbery
Examine your opening and closing processes.

• An individual should never open or close the business alone. Always schedule no less than two employees at opening or closing time. A best practice is for the first employee to enter and check for security-related issues. The second employee waits outside until the first employee give the all clear.
• Opening and closing times are most likely times a robbery will take place. The odds increase the more cash is on site.
• Lock the front door at closing.

 
BOX: Criminals look for two things when selecting a target: lots of cash and an easy get away.
 
Protocol for cash handling

• Keep cash in a restaurant to a minimum.
• Large bills should be kept in a time-controlled drop safe.
• Advertise outside that you keep a minimal amount of cash in the register and that you do not accept large bills.
• Don’t schedule your trips to the bank the same time each day. If you are being targeted, your habits are being watched. Change the times and routes to the bank.
• Don’t make your cash obvious. Use a messenger bag, a pizza box, etc.  

 
Secure the back door

• The back door should never be left unlocked or propped open unless continuously guarded. (This includes loading/receiving areas.)
• Install a peephole in the back door to eliminate a blind exit.
• Do not take out trash or perform outside activities after dark. Consider creating a trash room that does not require employees to exit outside to discard refuse.

 
Front doors and windows

• Increase visibility inside and out. Keep front doors and windows clear of signs, shrubs and posters to allow good, two way visibility. Employees can see suspicious persons outside. Customers and police can see inside.
• Keep the outside of business well-lit at night, proper lighting can deter crime.
• Use height markers at entrances, and consider the use of chest-high video cameras.
• Landscaping on the premises should be maintained to allow for maximum visibility.

 
Alarm system

• Install a hold up/silent alarm with activation buttons strategically located in the restaurant, and consider the use of remote transmitters.
• Employees must be thoroughly trained in the use and circumstances under which the hold- up/silent alarm should be activated.

 
Video camera surveillance

• Place large monitors near cash registers, allowing customers to see it in use.
• Camera should be used to monitor loading/receiving areas, trash disposal area and exterior doors.
• Ensure that the surveillance systems are properly networked and recording continuously.
• Take preventive maintenance measures such as surge protectors and software upgrades. 

 
Time-lock or Time-delay drop safe

• Signage Ideas: Safe cannot be immediately opened by manager or daily cash deposits can only be retrieved in the presence of an armored car security guard.
• Employees must not discuss sales volumes, cash handling policies, banking information, numbers of employees, as well as opening, closing, and back door procedures with non- employees.
• Employees must keep robbery prevention procedures secret.

 
For a complete robbery prevention program, contact the LRA SIF Loss Prevention Department at (504) 454-2277.