Even though many businesses are now processing more card payments than cash transactions, restaurants are the type of businesses that will still usually have large amounts of money on site.
Combined with late nights and possibly young, inexperienced staff, this makes restaurants attractive targets for thieves, who will try to steal cash, equipment and other assets.
Take a look at some of our tips on keeping your business safe from thefts.
Making eye contact with customers is both welcoming, and also a way of telling a potential thief you’re alert and keeping an eye on them.
If you notice someone acting suspiciously, you simply need to approach them and ask if they require any assistance. This will show that you are alert to anything out of the ordinary, whilst keeping up a friendly, customer-centric demeanour.
By having your staff move around regularly, it will deter thieves from making a move to steal something as it is more likely that a member of staff will notice something if they are moving around frequently.
Don’t let the cash register get too full. Take any cash to a safe, send a trusted employee to the bank or make the trip yourself to make sure there is as little cash on site as possible.
Access points such as windows, doors or vents should be kept locked or secured at all times to prevent unwanted access.
Staff should know who they need to report suspicious activity to if they spot it. This will usually be the shift manager for the evening.
If you witness a theft, don’t chase after the criminal at this could lead to injury to you or a member of your staff.
Do not follow the intruder outside as this could escalate the situation to a dangerous level.
In the event of a robbery, try to remain calm, speak slowly and calmly and don’t make any sudden or unexpected movements.
Try to remember as much as possible about the criminal. Any facial features, height, clothing, accents or anything that could help to identify them.
Call the police as soon as it is safe to, and notify the manager, briefing them on what has happened.
If you are being threatened with physical harm, comply with all demands.
For any crime deemed serious enough contact the emergency services on 999 as soon as it is safe to do so giving as much detail as you’re able to assist with any enquiries and hopefully the arrest and detainment of the perpetrator.
Keep a list of helpful phone numbers near the front of house for your business. Include the contact details for your local police station should you need it as well as the number of your insurance provider for when you need to make a claim.
Source: Zywave Inc. – Restaurant Playing It Safe: Restaurant Crime
Restaurant insurance with Premierline
When you have put the time and hard work into building a business, you want to make sure that it is protected. Unfortunately, crime can affect your business, but with the right cover in place, you can protect the business you have built.
At Premierline, we have a wealth of experience in arranging insurance covers for businesses in the hospitality industry, so speak to one of our insurance professionals for a competitive, no obligation quote.
