Staying safe in business

Businesses around the Moreton Bay Region should review their security after several armed robberies in recent weeks.

Moreton District Crime Prevention Unit officer in charge Sergeant Sarah Grayson says there are many steps business owners and staff can take to improve their safety.

“(You can) reduce the risk, or at least minimise the impact, both human and financial, of armed robbery on your business,” she says.

Sgt Grayson says all businesses should bear in mind that no amount of money or property is worth risking a life.

“Limit the amount of cash held on the premises and publicise this fact with a sign saying, ‘minimal’ or ‘no cash kept on premises’,” Sgt Grayson says.

“Minimise cash levels by frequently clearing cash registers and place into a safe (and) install a safe which is secured to a sturdy fixture.”

Taking care with cash

Businesses should also limit the number of safe keys and the number of people with the combination to a safe.

“Open the cash drawer only when it is in use and keep locked at all other times,” Sgt Grayson says.

“Handle, count and move cash around your business as little and as discreetly as possible.”

If a business is robbed, the police should be called as soon as it is safe to do so.

Sgt Grayson says the premises should be closed to the public, witnesses asked to remain and no-one should touch surfaces the offender has touched.

Support available

She says it’s normal for people to react differently after an incident – reactions can include nausea, headaches, sleep issues, anxiousness, helplessness and isolation, becoming withdrawn, experiencing difficulty making decisions, lack of concentration, reduced performance at work or distressing dreams.

“Support from colleagues, family and friends is an important part of recovery,” Sgt Grayson says.

Free services are available to support victims of crime. Click here to find out more.

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