Take a hard look at your business, it's physical layout, employees, hiring practices, and overall security. Assess its vulnerability to all kinds of crime, from burglary to embezzlement. Some basic prevention principles include:
Provide training for all employees including cleaning staff - so they are familiar with security procedures and know your expectations.
Use good locks, safes, and alarm systems. If you have questions, seek the help of law enforcement.
Keep detailed, up-to-date records. Store back-up copies off the premises. If you are ever victimized, you can assess losses more easily and provide useful information for law enforcement investigations.
Establish and enforce clear policies about employee theft, employee substance abuse, crime reporting, opening and closing the business, and other security procedures.
Mark equipment, registers, adding machines, calculators, computers, typewriters, with an identification number (for example, tax identification or license number).
Post an Operation Identification warning sticker in your store-front window. Keep a record of all identification numbers off the premises with other important records.
Consider the cost of each security improvement you make against the potential savings through loss reduction. Remember to assess the impact on employees and customers.
Crimes against businesses are usually crimes of opportunity. Failure to take good security precautions invites crime into a business.