Every year, millions of dollars worth of property is stolen from shops by burglars and shop thieves. Often, simple security precautions could have prevented these crimes. But in many cases these precautions were not taken and the shop owner paid the price.

How to secure your premises Front Door:

• If you have to use a glass door, use laminated security glass.

Back Door:

• Back doors are favourite targets for burglars because they are usually hidden from view.

• If you have a back door, make sure it is:

  1. strong, preferably steel;
  2. fitted with interior top and bottom bolts; and
  3. fitted with a burglar-resistant mortice deadlock.

Windows:

• Protect windows with roller shutters or iron bars, and remove valuable goods from display windows at night.

Lights:

• Always leave some lights on at night. This is a good deterrent, and also allows the police to see inside when it is dark.

Cash:

• Don't try to hide it in the shop, as a burglar will find it; always take cash to the bank every day. (See also the advice on how to protect your money).

Safes:

• If you have to leave cash in the shop, use a good quality modern safe fixed to the floor.

Alarms:

• Use a properly installed burglar alarm system fitted by a reputable company. (See also the advice on alarm systems).

How to prevent shop theft

• Train your staff to be alert. Always put a suspect under constant staff observation;

• Install convex mirrors to improve visibility of all parts of your shop. The use of CCTV cameras offers greater security;

• Use warning notices. Display signs such as: "All shop thieves caught in this store will be prosecuted" and "Store detectives operate in this store" ;

• Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) helps detect unauthorized attempts to remove goods from your shop;

• Display "dummy" or imitation items of high value goods. Use mixed displays of high and low value goods;

• Ensure deliveries are quickly removed to a place of secure storage;

• Conduct frequent stock checks; and

• If you catch a thief, report the matter to the police.