Opening & Closing Protocols
\n<\/strong>These duties should be conducted by at least two people, with one watching from a safe distance and with a phone and panic button in-hand. Observe the surroundings of the store on arrival. If anything seems suspicious or out of place, stay out of sight and call police. The entry point to the store must be well lit and where possible, any obstructions to visibility or any potential hiding places for an ambush should be removed. The key carrier should consider taking different routes to and from work and home. It\u2019s advisable to do a thorough sweep of the premises to establish an all-clear before all staff enter in the morning, and at night before the store is locked up. Those not engaged in checking the premises should be waiting outside, on alert and ready to call security if a problem arises. Some security companies recommend that the key carrier immediately lock themself in and proceed to retrieve and unpack jewellery from the safe alone. Be highly suspicious of \u2018customers\u2019 arriving as the store opens or closes, and keep the doors locked while staff set up. Refuse entry to any unknown person until the store is ready to receive customers, deliveries included. After a long day, staff may be tempted to start putting items away before all customers have left the store in an effort to speed up the closing procedure. This is a mistake as lots of merchandise being shifted between safes and showcases is an opportune time for thieves to strike and can give casers valuable information about your procedures.<\/p>\n

Preventative measures and preparation
\n<\/strong>It\u2019s recommended to make some security cameras obvious (so would-be crooks know they\u2019re being watched) and others concealed. Consider having a second recorder or storing the video remotely, so a thief can\u2019t take the device and rob you of evidence as well. Height markers can be placed on any vertical surface that your surveillance cameras have a clear view of. They can be subtle and tailored to match the decor for aesthetic purposes (or to not tip off a criminal who may then slouch or duck past them), or they can be obvious – for example on your shop window. Just by peering in, casers may feel like they’ve already given away too much information about themselves, and this might just be enough to deter a robbery.<\/p>\n

Establish a High-Alert Code Word
\n<\/strong>A word or phrase that warns of a suspicious situation can be a life-saving addition to your security arsenal. Something as simple as: \u201cthat display cabinet needs cleaning\u201d should cue a staff member to secretly contact your security company. You could even have a second phrase that prompts a more serious reaction, for example most staff discretely vacating the premises and perhaps activating a silent panic alarm.<\/p>\n

In the event of an armed robbery
\n<\/strong>SAPS recommend that most importantly, comply with any demands made and do exactly as you are told. The robbers are in control of the situation because they are armed, and it serves no purpose to resist their instructions \u2013 you will only be putting your lives at risk. Try to stay calm and take slow, deliberate breaths, and avoid looking directly into their faces. Try to speak slowly and clearly and do not shout or raise your voice or make sudden movements, as they are likely more nervous than you are. Activate the alarm only if you can do it secretly. A siren can cause panic and trigger a violent response from the robbers. You should have surveillance systems in place to record details like time and suspect descriptions, and your focus should be on staff safety. If you feel secure enough to attempt to observe any information about the thieves, SAPS provides the following tips:<\/p>\n