Workplace safety goes beyond physical hazards—it also means safeguarding staff, customers, and property from crime. Whether you’re in an office, retail, public service, or industrial environment, knowing how to prevent and respond to criminal activity is essential. Identifying where your business may be vulnerable and taking steps to protect it is a critical part of creating a safe and secure workplace.

Protect Your Business

Retail Crime

Retail Crime Strategy

Retail Crime Strategy - PDF

Community Safety Precinct Committee Meetings

Crime prevention is not solely the responsibility of New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF), it requires community collaboration to effectively address safety issues. Community Safety Precinct Committee (CSPC) meetings provide the opportunity for all parties to come together and address local crime concerns. CSPCs allows Police Area Commanders to share accurate local crime information and raise awareness of crime prevention approaches. CSPCs foster collaboration among individuals, communities, businesses, organisations and government to develop and execute coordinated strategies aimed at the immediate and underlying causes of criminal activity. For further information in relation to CSPC meetings, contact the Crime Prevention Officer at your local police station.

Resources

Break-ins

  • Display the street/shop number and business name at the front of the business to assist emergency services locate the property;
  • Post warning signs around the business to warn intruders about the security features you have in place;
  • Remove obstacles and rubbish from property boundaries, footpaths, driveways, car parks and buildings;
  • Install security lighting around the perimeter of the business, particularly over entry/exit points;
  • The doors, walls, floor and ceilings of the building should be of solid construction. Limit the number of entry/exit points to restrict unauthorised access;
  • Doors should be fitted with quality single cylinder dead lock sets to comply with the Australian Building Code, fire regulations;
  • Glass within doors and windows should be reinforced with either a shatter resistant film or laminated glass;
  • Record descriptions, models/serial numbers of property owned by your business;
  • If your business deals in cash then you should consider the installation of a safe to provide additional security. The safe should be manufactured and installed to the Australian and New Zealand Standards and should be anchored to restrict removal;
  • Limit the amount of money you hold in the cash drawer. Don’t count money in public view;
  • Have a monitored intruder alarm system installed to enhance the physical security of your business;
  • All ATMS should be placed away from entry points of your shop. They should be anchored to the ground and covered by way of CCTV.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

Fraud

Fraud and Scams - NSW Police Public Site

Robbery

A small amount of planning, may assist in reducing the risks of armed robbery to your store and increase the chances of prosecution of robbers. The aim of any planning in dealing with armed robbery should be for the:

* Safety ofemployeesand customers. * Reduction in the property stolen. * Early arrest of the offender.

PREVENTION

  • Be alert to strangers or individuals who may be observing your business or who are asking questions about how your business runs.
  • Ensure all back and side doors and windows are kept secure.
  • Do not discuss cash holdings or movements of cash in public.
  • Reduce cash held at counters to a workable minimum.
  • Install a safe in close proximity to the cash register which is secured to a sturdy fixture or remove cash to a secure area.
  • Designate safe areas and escape routes for you and your employees.
  • Make use of signage and stickers both inside and outside your business promoting security measures such as; time delay locks, video surveillance and minimum cash held on premises.  
  • Consider the installation of additional security devices such as duress / panic buttons and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).
  • Ensure employees are aware of security and armed robbery procedures and what to do in the case of such an event.
  • Lock the rear entrance if working alone, prior to delivery, employees arriving and once break up is completed.

DURING AN ARMED ROBBERY

  • Try to remain calm, assess the situation, and do exactly as the offender says. Remember the number one priority is your safety, the safety of other employees and customers.
  • Activate alarm devices as soon as possible, but only if it is safe to do so.
  • Always remember that the offender will be nervous and tense so explain any movements and avoid any sudden actions.
  • Speak only when spoken to as any conversation with the offender will prolong the incident.
  • Avoid eye contact with the offender.
  • Note the offender/s conversation including any indecent language, accent, nicknames or speech impediments.
  • Unless otherwise ordered, continually watch offender/s making a mental note of their description especially scars, tattoos and any other prominent features.
  • Observe and take note of weapons that are being used.
  • Observe the direction of travel taken by the offender/s when they leave the premises.
  • Look to see if a vehicle has been used and if there are any other occupants.
  • Never take drastic action during the robbery and do not chase the offender.

AFTER THE ROBBERY

  • Immediately telephone the Police on Triple Zero (000) (even if you have activated hold up or duress alarms), giving;
  1. Name and exact location of where the crime occurred including closest intersecting street and name of retail outlet.
  2. Date/time/nature of offence.
  3. Persons injured and whether medical assistance is required.
  4. Type of weapon used.
  5. Number and description of offender/s including any vehicles used.
  6. Direction of travel.
  • Only hang up the telephone when told to do so and stay off the phone until police arrive unless you remember additional information that may be important.
  • Close the premises to the public and keep unauthorised persons out.
  • Make sure that no person touches or moves any items where the offender/s was / were present.
  • Consider arranging someone to meet police outside, particularly in large shopping areas to make the response more efficient.
  • Have witnesses and customers remain until the Police arrive – failing that, obtain their names, addresses and telephone numbers.
  • Make sure witnesses are isolated from each other.
  • Witnesses should independently try to write a full description of offender/s and what actually occurred in as much detail as possible. (Refer to the Description Form from the ‘Aggressive Persons’ section.)
  • Do not make any statements to the media before discussing the matter with police.
  • Supply all details to police no matter how insignificant they appear to you. This may also include earlier suspicious customers, rude, drunk or drug affected customers, cars constantly driving past etc.

Building Site Security Tips

Reporting

Reporting a crime in progress, a life-threatening situation or an emergency - call triple zero 000

  • Ask for Police
  • If you do not speak English, say ‘Interpreter’ and name the language you speak
  • Provide your name, address and telephone number
  • Explain what is happening
  • Provide exact location of the incident including the nearest cross street
  • Describe any people involved
  • Describe any motor vehicles
  • Describe any weapons involved
  • Wait until the operator is finished before you hang up.

Reporting minor crime or non-urgent incident

  • Log onto NSW Police Force Community Portal to report crimes that have already been committed and do not require immediate police presence for example, car theft, lost property, minor traffic accidents, burglary, damage to property stealing & fraud.
  • You can also call the Police Assistance Line (PAL)13 14 44 to report minor crimes that have already been committed and do not require immediate police attendance.
  • Otherwise, you can attend your local police station to make a report.

Reporting suspicious activity

  • Call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
  • You do not have to give your name and address. You can call Crime Stoppers to provide information about a crime or criminal behaviour.

Statement Templates for Retailers