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.
Last Updated: 09/12/2005



