Security and Your Club

Everyone needs to play a part in tackling crime effectively - including the police and other public services, businesses and residents. If you have already been a victim of crime, taking action to prevent further incidents is particularly important. The following information, explains how you can reduce the risks of becoming a victim of crime.

Work safe - work smart  Avoid working alone and opening and closing the club alone wherever possible, as you are more at risk at these times. Take extra precautions if the club is open long hours, on Sundays, or if staff work shifts.

Protect inexperienced or vulnerable members of staff by asking your more experienced staff to work alongside them.

Lock up! Make it clear who is responsible for locking windows, doors, cabinets and safes, and for setting alarms.

Handle cash and stock with care, do not keep large amounts of money in the tills. Leave tills open and empty overnight and vary your routine when you are going to the bank. Control your stock tightly and limit access to it.

Prevent fraud by routinely checking credit and debit cards in line with guidance from card issuers. Check bank notes for forgery.

Take care who you recruit and always request character references. Also, limit the number of staff who have access to keys for the club.

Record all incidents of crime, as it will help you to spot trends or patterns and will also assist the police if you have to call them.

Your club - inside and out  Every building is different because of its location, construction and by its contents; therefore the crime risk created varies accordingly. You need to consider the individual security of your club. How would a criminal break into your premises? What features in your club would be at a high risk?

Are you and your staff safe? It is worth considering the following:-

Inside

• Protect high value goods by displaying them away from exits and where you can see them.

• Introduce measures to prevent crimes when you are planning major refurbishments or a move.

• Carefully consider the position of your tills.

• Get specialist advice before installing ATMs.

• If feasible, obtain physical security.

• Use a good-quality safe to protect valuables. Keep it out of view. Your current insurer can give you advice on the types of safes    that are available.

• Control access. In order to stop unwanted intruders from slipping past the reception area, entrances and exits leading to and from it should all be fitted with mechanical or electronic access control locks/systems.

Outside

• Strengthen doors and windows. Use high-quality materials as set out in your insurance policy.

• Securely lock all possible entrances and exits overnight.

• Install a burglar alarm using an approved installer. The police can give you advice.

• Consider CCTV. It works best when combined with other security measures.

• Use lighting to increase the chances of intruders being noticed. Be aware, if your club is not overlooked at night, increased lighting may make it easier for criminals!

• Consider devices to prevent people breaking into your premises with vehicles. Think about grilles or shutters. You may need to talk to your local planning authority.

• Keep boundaries secure. Restrict access to drainpipes, flat roofs and other buildings. Make sure any dark corners are well lit.

Staff awareness

Making sure your staff are confident, alert and well informed is the best way of preventing crime. You can train your staff while they are doing their job to be alert for suspicious behaviour. Make time for your staff to share their experiences and keep up to date on crime issues in the neighbourhood.

Think about setting up club procedures for:-

• Recording crime incidents.

• When to call the police.

• How to handle cash.

• How to use security equipment.

• Locking your club.