Ø        The customer service area should be clearly visible from the street.

Ø        Don’t count cash in front of the public.

Ø        Leave your cash register open and empty after closing.

Ø        Change your cash handling procedures on a regular basis – such as days and times of banking.

Ø        Don’t carry cash in a marked bag.

Ø        Clear excess cash frequently and randomly.

Ø        Use good deadlocks, safes, and alarm systems.

Ø        Place “duress or panic alarms” near the register and store room where they can be discreetly and safely activated.

Ø        Fit electronic sensors that emit a sound when someone enters or leaves the premises.

Ø        Window displays and shop fittings should not be obstructed with advertising material.

Ø        Make sure “Staff Only” doors/areas are kept locked to restrict unauthorized access.

Ø        Light the inside and outside of your business, especially around doors and windows.

Ø        Check the layout of your store, eliminating any blind spots that may hide a robbery in progress.

Ø        Limit the height of shelving or displays – make sure staff have a clear view across the premises at all times.

Ø        Identify possible hiding spots for burglars and install security lighting with automatic movement detectors.

Ø        Prominently display a sign saying that bag inspections may be carried out.

Ø        If you need to conduct a bag inspection, politely ask the customer to open their personal bag.

Ø        If they refuse, ask them to leave the store or if you are certain they have stolen something, call the Police.

Ø        Dressing rooms should be watched at all times and limit the number of items taken in.

Ø        Design the exits of the business so all persons must pass by security personnel or store employees.

Ø        Use mirrors to eliminate “blind spots” in corners that might hide thieves.

Ø        Use cameras, closed-circuit television or one way glass to observe all areas of the store.

Ø        Ensure price tags cannot be removed or switched.

Ø        Install a prepay system – pay first and then pump fuel.

Ø        Install a camera system which allows for close-up images.

Ø        Pump visibility is important – make sure pumps are visible from the counter.

Ø        Be careful with quick exit points/avenues from the pumps to the road – they increase the risk of drive-off’s.

Ø        Train employees to check the signature, expiration date and signs of tampering on the card.

Ø        Ask for photo identification such as a driver’s license or passport.

Ø        Look out for customers who try to rush or distract the cashier or have no identification.

Ø        Feel the bill. Most people who handle money a lot can identify a lower-quality fake bill instantly just by touching it.

Ø        Genuine currency has slightly raised ink that's produced in the intaglio printing process.

Ø        Compare the bill with another of the same denomination and series.

Ø        Look for colored strands in the paper. All U.S. bills have tiny red and blue fibers embedded in the paper.

Ø        Hold the bill up to the light and look at the watermark. The watermark portrait should match the printed one (this is very important: bleaching & reprinting low value currency is a common scam).