Coronavirus Crime Prevention Advice for Retailers 

We are aware that many members premises are now vacant in light of recent government advice.
The BID has therefore engaged with PSNI to get advice on how to limit the risks to your business.
To prevent crime and reduce harm against your business, staff and customers, we are asking you to carefully consider the updated national crime prevention advice below:

If you have temporarily closed your business:

• Conduct a full security check of your premises.
• Test your alarm & ensure it is fully operational.
• Identify any vulnerable areas. Rectify these. Ensure internal doors, security gates, bollards and fire exit doors have been secured prior to closure of premises.
• Move high value items into secured locations (if practical).
• Remove cash from the premises and install signage stating all cash or valuables have been removed.

If your staff are assaulted or witness violence in your premises

• Try to remain calm – the safety of you, your customers and colleagues is paramount. If the perpetrator has left the premises, record a description and report the incident to police as soon as possible.
• Trust your instincts and maximise distance between yourself, customers, colleagues and any aggressive parties.
• Adhere to corporate conflict and exit contingency plans.
• If there is a hold-up/panic alarm installed use it if required, but only when safe to do so.
• Consider using body worn video to capture evidence and positively influence the behaviour of those involved in violence on your premises.

Large Gatherings/Queuing

• Premises should be adequately staffed with prominent management present who can make decisions or be identifiable to emergency services.
• Consider an allocation system or queuing to provide items that are provided on a limited basis – or possible keeping these off shop floor for collection.
• Remembering to follow social distancing measures, have staff meet and greet customers at entrances to provide reassurance and a subliminal message to any prospective thieves.
• Where possible SIA licensed security officers should have a visible presence on the premises in strategic areas
• All prominent household item areas should have a member of staff regulating them and depending on risk assessment consider deploying security into these areas.
• Establish queueing contingency plans, including any car parking areas, and ensure appropriate security/ staffing levels.

Reassurance to customers, some of whom may be anxious, is key to reducing anti-social behaviour.

• Ensure all staff are briefed each day on emergency procedures, working practices and Public Health guidance.
• Staff should remain vigilant and report any violence or suspicious activity to the police.
• Consider minimising the number of entry points to your building in concert with fire egress points.
• Ensure that your emergency equipment/grab bags, first aid supplies and radio communication systems are operational.
• Check and test your building security and emergency systems.

Remember in an emergency dial 999

If you need further assistance or you require more bespoke advice, please contact your local crime prevention officer using Police Non – Emergency Telephone Number  101.