Nottinghamshire Police

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Retail security

• Always be vigilant when opening or closing the store. Criminals sometimes force staff into the shop and get them to open the safe or tills. Leave the till drawer open when the shop is closed;
  
  
• Keep windows clear of posters and clutter to allow good visibility to areas outside the shop where people may be acting suspiciously;
  
  
• Don't place high value goods outside the shop or near entrance doors where they are more likely to be stolen. Keep them close to the counter where staff can see them;
  
  
• Always check details on credit and debit cards carefully. Look out for people who look nervous when making card purchases;
  
  
• Be wary of shoplifters working in teams. While one is distracting staff, others could be stealing stock or opening the till;
  
  
• Ensure your staff know what counterfeit bank notes look like, and encourage them to check the notes that customers hand to them;
  
  
• Keep the back door locked to avoid thieves entering store rooms and stealing stock while staff are on the shop floor;
  
  
• Keep shelves low enough for staff to see what shoppers are doing, and use mirrors to remove any blind spots;
  
  
• Display notices advertising your security measures to deter would-be criminals;
  
  
• Consider employing a security guard. This can put off offenders and reassure staff and customers;
  
  
• Ensure all staff know who is responsible for locking up at the close of business. Audit keys regularly and if any are missing replace the locks as soon as possible;
  
  
• Always remember to switch on the alarm when locking up. If you have CCTV, make sure it is recording 24 hours a day, with cameras pointing towards the door and high value goods.