NCJ Number
92073
Date Published
1983
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Procedures for the safer handling of money in retail stores must focus on the three vulnerable areas: the cash registers, the cash office, and the removal of cash from the premises to the bank.
Abstract
The amount of money a thief might take from a cash register should be limited through cash pickups from registers at frequent irregular intervals during the day. At all times, two senior responsible employees should be involved in the pickup operation. Depending on the size of the store and the number of registers, generally, all the registers should not be cleared at one time. It is better to split the pickups and reduce the amount of cash that can be stolen. A secure cart can be used to pick up and carry the cash register money to the cash office. The checkout operators are responsible for the money in their registers at all times and should be instructed in the precautions necessary to safeguard it. Register operators should be instructed in procedures to follow in the event of a holdup and also in how to handle persons who seek to confuse the operator in the giving of change. In providing security for cash offices, attention should be given to the placement of the cash office so that it serves the requirements of the store's operation and provides maximum protection. The door of the office should be constructed of solid wood and be fitted with suitable automatic locking devices as well as an observation window. Safes should be of high quality, and access should be limited. A large number of successful holdups occur off the premises while the money is being transported to and from banks. Making use of an armored vehichle and security personnel reduces the personal threat to employees as well as the probability of a successful theft.