CASH SECURITY

The presence of large amounts of cash in a building will undoubtedly attract the attention of thieves. It is therefore prudent to keep the amount of cash on your premises to a minimum. These amounts will determine the level of security needed.

Cash offices should be located on the highest floor in the building and if possible should have an outer office as an additional barrier. Staff toilet facilities should be located within the secure area.

Walls should be of a solid construction and doors should also be solid and at least two inches thick. They should be fitted with good quality internal bolts, slam bolts and have a suitable viewing device.

When a cash office is used to collect payments from members of the public it should have a wide high counter to separate staff from customers and should be fitted with screens. In many cases strong grilles to within 1.5 inches of the counter should be fitted. Where substantial amounts of cash are collected an armoured or bulletproof glass screen may be necessary. Where an open relationship with customers is needed fast rising screens may be an option.

It is essential that the amount of cash held in individual tills is kept to the minimum and that any excess is regularly removed to safe storage within the secure area. The use of time locked safes may provide an additional precaution particularly where cash can still be deposited in it.

Advice on the most appropriate safe should be sought from a specialist.

Cash offices should be fitted with personal attack buttons capable of summoning immediate police assistance in the event of an emergency. Staff should be trained in the use of the system, which should be regularly tested. They should be trained in what to do in cases of an attack so that they respond automatically.

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