Retailers warned to take extra care with cash

Published 17 Dec 2009 16:59

Share this

Strathclyde Police are reminding retailers in Helensburgh and Lomond to take extra care with their cash over the festive period.

To support this advice, members of local Community Policing Teams will be visiting shops, pubs and bookmakers over the coming days to give guidance on managing the extra cash that flows around the retail sector at this time of year.

Keeping large amounts of cash at counters or in safes or tills can be a real risk for smaller businesses and police would advise that as little cash as possible is kept on the premises.

Retailers are also advised to:

Remove money from premises overnight. Leave the till open and empty.

Display prominent signs saying: 'Time delays are in operation' or 'No money left on premises. Criminals will only attack places if they think they can get away quickly with plenty of cash.

Bank Safely - count and prepare cash out of sight in a locked room and use professional cash collection services if you can.

On visits to the bank vary your route and time. Never try to fight of or follow any attacker.

Work out how you will respond to a robbery - this will help you and the police to work together in the event of a robbery.

Experienced security experts form part of the local Community Policing Teams and they are available to carry out a security audit of retail premises and practices.

For more details, retailers can call:

Helensburgh 01436 633600

Dumbarton 01389 822000

Alexandria 01389 823000

Clydebank 0141 532 3300

Detective Chief Inspector Norrie Conway said: " Retailers will no doubt be aware that criminals look for an easy hit. They don't want to take the risk of hitting premises that hold a small amount of cash and displays robust cash management practices. Don't make it an easy decision to target your premises, take precautions and speak to your local Community Police Officer if you have any concerns."

Follow @helensburghadv

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.