Although robberies account for only a modest portion of all crimes, robbery is a growing concern for entrepreneurs. The retail store must be particularly careful, because the premises are visible and accessible. Take steps to reduce the likelihood that you or your business will be victimized.

Some businesses are more subject to robbery than others. Merchants in high density urban communities tend to be affected by robberies, more so than their counterparts in suburban and rural communities. Tradition targets include convenience stores and liquor stores. However, all merchants who keep a significant amount of cash on their premises may be targets, regardless of location or merchandise type. There is no foolproof method to prevent a robbery, but some practices can reduce your risk and exposure to loss.

Business owners should have insurance for their establishment. Meet with your insurance agent regarding insuring your inventory. Make it a policy to limit the amount of cash you keep on your premises at any one time. Business owners who make regular and frequent bank deposits substantially reduce their risk. If you handle a lot of cash make deposits twice a day. Make a deposit during the day, so you can get the bulk of cash out of the store before evening.

Police officers frequently advise that you act as discreetly as possible when carrying large sums of cash and that you vary both your hours and route to the bank. Don’t create a clearly discernible pattern, which may make you an easy target. If your cash receipts are extremely large, you may want to hire an armored truck service to transport cash and provide another layer of insulation in the exposure of cash to risk.

Some armored car services will rent the owner dual control safes, permitting the user to deposit funds in the safe without opening the safe door. The safe can be unlocked only jointly by the armored car driver and business owner or cashier. Decals clearly mark the safe as being under dual control. Because this makes access difficult, it reduces the chances of a robber getting a large sum of cash. Merchants whose businesses keep late hours may purchase drop safes with an inner compartment and a special cash deposit drawer. These safes work on the same principal; only the manager or owner has access to the cash once it has been deposited.

One of the simplest and greatest deterrents to thieves is adequate lighting. It’s so highly regarded as a deterrent that in some areas law enforcement agencies require businesses to maintain acceptable light levels at all times. Good lighting in

front and back and inside and out of the store can help patrolling police officers spot trouble at your establishment. Clean, uncluttered windows are another good idea. If advertising posters and signs cover a large part of your display windows, a robbery may not be seen by a passing patrol car. Surveillance cameras that provide daily and nightly recordings of store activities can act as a deterrent. Further a video tape of a robbery, provides the owner with more effective means of prosecution because of the video evidence.

To discuss crime prevention strategies and prudent cash management on the premises, contact the SCORE® Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives). More than 12,000 volunteer, business counselors donate their time and expertise to assist entrepreneurs with business issues. SCORE® is a nonprofit organization, which offers counseling as a free and confidential service. For a referral to the SCORE® chapter nearest you, call 1 (800) 634-0245.