Crime reduction 

Cash and cash-in-transit

Please consider the crime prevention advice below to keep your cash safe on your business premises and when the cash is in transit.

• Keep as little cash as possible on the premises. Do not count cash within anyone else's view.
• Put tills away from entrance and exit doors. Restrict access to the rear of tills and counters using lockable doors or counter flaps.
• Move excess cash to a safe place.
• Try to pay your staff by cheque or cash transfer.

Security that you can use to protect cash

• Plastic till guards - a cheap but effective way to prevent till snatches.
• Smoke and dye money pack systems - designed to emit coloured smoke and spoil cash that has been stolen.
• Pneumatic cash transfer systems - an air-powered tube system to transport cash to a secure area or safe.
• External access safes - where cash collection companies can supply or take away cash without needing to enter premises.
• Counter cache(s) - metal containers which can be kept close to the till. These are used to temporarily hold bank notes before transfer to the bank or safe.
• Anti-bandit or bullet-resistant glass and fast-rising screens - fitted at till points or pay kiosks. These offer the cashier protection and are a significant deterrent.
• Time-delay safes - secure and only possible to open after a pre-set time. These safes will keep any cash not in the till, or not yet banked, safe from all but the most determined robbers.

Cash-in-transit

If large amounts of cash need to be banked or collected on a regular basis, then the safest way is to employ a recognised and reputable cash-carrying company.

• Bank cash as soon as possible. Do not allow cash to build up on the premises.
• Choose the right staff for the job. Young, elderly, ill, or new employees should not be used to transport cash because of their vulnerability.
• Staff that transport cash are most vulnerable at the start or end of their journey.
• Staff that transport cash should be alert to suspicious people or vehicles. Staff should not leave their vehicle until they are as close to their destination as possible.
• Always use a secure container to carry cash that doesn’t draw attention to itself.
• Where possible, don’t use a canvas moneybag – use a pocket/specially-designed carry case.
• The times and routes used when transporting cash should vary. Don’t make unnecessary stops.
• Staff that transport cash on foot should always be accompanied. Use the busiest roads and walk in the centre of the pavement, towards oncoming traffic. Never transport cash on foot if there is an alternative.
• Never use public transport to transport cash.
• If a car is used, a second employee acting as a driver should accompany the person carrying the cash. Try not to use the same car each time.
• Make sure that all vehicles used for transporting cash are well maintained. All doors should be kept locked.
• If staff are attacked, they should surrender the cash. They should never have a go at being a hero.

Security equipment to protect cash-in-transit

• Cash-carrying equipment, such as a security briefcase, bag or product designed for the movement of cash. These may include smoke or dye products.
• Car safes can be fitted in the boot of a car. Ringbolts can be fitted to secure cash-carrying equipment.