Cash Handling

All businesses which handle cash, and particularly those which employ a lone attendant at night, should consider the following:

• Count and transfer cash behind closed doors and not in public view.
  
• Reduce cash held on the premises to a workable minimum and advertise this prominently.
  
• Implement a system whereby excess cash is removed to a secure area -perhaps a safe with a 'posting slot'.
  
• Locate cash registers away from doors and keep separated from public areas.
  
• Have only one entrance to the premises which can be easily observed by the attendant.
  
• Remove promotional or other posters from windows which may obscure attendants vision form inside or outside.
  
• Isolate the attendant by, for example, a 120cm high counter.
  
• Advertise the fact that late operators do not have the key, or combination of, your safe.
  
• Place emergency numbers where attendants can easily see them.

Train your staff to establish clear cash register procedures which include the following:

• Open cash drawer only while actually being used.
• Close cash drawer before merchandise is packaged.
• Alert cashiers to avoid distractions.
• Lock cash drawer and remove key when not in use.
• Leave tills open and empty to avoid possible damage by intruders when leaving premises unattended overnight.

Before leaving check that no person has remained on the premises (check toilets, other hiding places).

Moving Cash

Money in transit is vulnerable. Where possible use a cash-transit company, particularly when moving large sums of money. Consider banding together with other small businesses in your area to hire a cash transit company for regular use.

To reduce the opportunity for crime when transporting cash consider the following:

• Assign more than one person to the task.
  
• Send well-trained staff.
  
• Avoid using public transport.
  
• If using a private car, keep the doors locked at all times.
  
• Do not leave the vehicle en route.
  
• Avoid quiet streets and vary the route and time of travel.
  
• If using taxi, order one by telephone and ask the operator to give you the number of the assigned cab.
• If walking, keep to busy streets.
  
• Do not advertise the fact that you are carrying cash (e.g. marked bank bag).
  
• Consider using a security case.
  
• Do not talk publicly about cash movements.
  
• Do not establish a routine for cash movements - vary both time and route taken.
  
• Ensure the time of return is known so an alarm can be raised if necessary.
  
• Be aware of drivers of vehicles or people behaving suspiciously.
  
• If using a night safe, do not expose cash until the safe is opened.
  
• If a safe or door key cannot be accounted for, change the locks.

Remember: at all times personal safety is paramount. In addition, employers have an obligation under the Workplace Health and Safety Act to provide a safe working environment.