As preparations gather pace for the busy Christmas trading period, police are advising members of the business community to step up their security.
Christmas and New Year are the retail trade’s busiest time, and criminals may try to take advantage of the high turnover of cash and valuables in outlets throughout Newry Mourne and Down.
Crime Prevention Officer Lisa Sherman said now is a good time for the business community to ensure they have appropriate security measures in place. She added: “There are a range of simple and effective measures worth taking to ensure your business stays crime-free over the festive period.
“At this time of year you may take in more money than usual. Reduce the amount of cash you have in your tills regularly and make sure you transfer it to a safe – preferably in an occupied office.
“Have your money taken to a bank frequently by a recognised Cash in Transit (CIT) company. This ensures your money has the safest possible journey to your bank, reducing the risk of it being stolen.
“You should also consider a ‘drop’ safe. This is where you can keep money that is due to be lodged at a bank until a CIT company comes to collect it. It’s access can be limited to just two people, including the CIT company staff. Once the money has been dropped into the safe, only authorised individuals can get access to it. The safe should be located in a secure room.”
Lisa also highlighted the dangers of stolen or cloned credit cards, and thefts from cash machines. She said: “The methods that criminals use are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
“Business owners and their staff should be on the look-out for fake or cloned cards. The details on these cards usually belong to a genuine member of the public whose identity, either their name or their bank number, has been stolen along with their bank card.
“Some businesses, for example, large petrol stations, have cash machines. These are another target for criminals, who will use sophisticated devices to capture a customer’s card details and PIN number.
“Cameras can be installed to monitor ATM’s for suspicious activity. Anyone who sees someone tampering with an ATM should not approach them but call police immediately.”
For further information on Crime Prevention, call your local police on 101, or log on to:
and read the Crime Prevention section.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is working with businesses on an initiative called Safe Shop Scheme to share information and provide advice and support to the business community to tackle business crime.
The Safe Shop Scheme is targeted at retail and provides:-
* Confidence building – confidence of retail staff through a knowledge of their powers, what actions are appropriate and confidence in local policing through increased contact and information sharing.
* Bespoke training packages tailored to each business at no cost, other than the release of staff for a short period (usually just before doors open).
* Increase in arrests of prolific shoplifters through better knowledge and information sharing. The training package provides information on the techniques that shoplifters use and also explains the law so that staff know what they can and cannot do to Keep People Safe.
* Partnership working with Police, Security and retail staff resulting in focussed patrolling in specific shops. This scheme is available to staff working in retails outlets. Simply contact your local Crime Prevention Officer to make a booking on 101.
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