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You absolutely must be proactive in your efforts to protect not only your store but yourself, your employees and your customers.
- Step 1
Start by installing working video surveillance.
In today's age this is easier to do than ever so do it. There are systems and software available designed for convenience store surveillance. It may save you, your employees and your store from harm. It is certainly useful for catching the bad guys and putting them away. - Step 2
Light up that parking lot.
Because the lighting inside cancels out clear vision on the outside of your store you need to install or convince management to install proper outside lighting. This is very important for stores and businesses that operate after dark. It will aide in helping you or others to get a clearer description of thieves and trouble makers for the police. The more descriptive information you can provide the police the better.
For added security have a timer installed so that when turning off the outside lights they will remain on for and added few minutes. This will give you time to lock up and get into your car before they go out. - Step 3
Unclutter those windows.
You need to have an unobstructed view of the parking lot as this will make it easier to spot potential trouble before it walks through your door. This will also provide an unobstructed view for passers-by to spot trouble and possibly come to your rescue or at least dial 911. This also allows law enforcement to see what is going on and take appropriate action. - Step 4
Get rid of that cash box or at least keep only a minimal amount of rolled change and a few small bills in it.
Chances are you have employees and no matter how much you try to get the point across they or you will use that cash box at the wrong time. Customers are savvy individuals and most are honest but predators lurk and look for things to steal. Flaunting cash is a direct invitation to come and get it.
If you can, install a drop safe that cannot be accessed by any one but management and then only at certain times. Check with other local businesses and discuss what they are doing. - Step 5
Do not pay out large sums on lottery winnings in the late evening or after dark.
Make it a policy to not pay out anything over say $20 on lottery in the late evenings or after dark. If other stores in your area do this then be a trend setter. The word will get out and other stores will likely follow your lead, especially after getting robbed themselves. Let your customers know that as a preventative measure against robbery you do not keep enough funds to cover large winnings but you will be happy cash in their tickets between the hours of _____ AM and ____PM. - Step 6
Never go into the safe when you are alone.
If you must do this then lock the doors when it is clear of customers and hang a sign. Your sign could say 'Restroom Break, Be Back in Ten Minutes' or even 'Out to Lunch, Be Back at ___.
When you lock your doors you need to move out of site if you want to avoid unwanted questions. - Step 7
Never count, bundle or roll cash out in the open.
Of course I am not talking about counting change back to your customers. If you have a back room or office this is where you should work up your bank deposit. Lock the door. If there is no lock then install one. If there is a sign on the door that says something like 'Office' or 'Employees Only' remove it. Leave it blank or post some of those flyers that you are required by law to keep posted, the dustier the better. - Step 8
Install a pull down shade over that window by the register and a small under-the-counter shelf light somewhere below the register.
The shade should be up during business hours. However if the register is located near a window you will need to pull it down before you close out for the day. Do not pull the shade down until after you have locked the door and turned off your stores inside lights. This will prevent peepers from spying on you as you empty the cash drawer. The shelf light will be enough for you to see without alerting any outside lurkers to what you are doing. Please for the sake of safety keep those outside lights on until you are fully ready to leave. - Step 9
Do not empty the safe at night or make night deposit drops at the bank.
Find a way to do this in the morning as most criminals are passed out by then. Hire someone or have a trusted friend go with you to the store. You can always arrive early and take care of business before opening and do your deposit later in the day. - Step 10
Finally install an alarm system.
Whether you install a silent alarm or one with bells and whistles is up to you but do it.
I can not of course guarantee that you will never get held-up but taking these steps will certainly lower your risk. Please, if you are a store owner or manager teach all of your employees as much as you can to help keep them safe. Your life and theirs may depend on it.
