Dining out reveals a lot about someone’s character, the way they treat the staff, the tip the give and what they order, in the restaurant industry you see all sorts of characters and customers, but, by far the worst is the Dine & Dasher.
Culprits are getting a lot smarter, normally dressing smarter and ordering high end options on the menu to distort the server’s perception; Culprits even resort to leaving a fake wallet, phone or jacket at the table to provide the guise of returning to pay.
Although it can be hard to specifically predict and reduce these perpetrators, you can increase your restaurant security which will make criminals less likely to target your business. Below are 4 ways to increase your restaurant security:
1) Ample Lighting
Restaurant crime is normally a calculated move and rarely done on a whim, the culprits scope out the area, and decide if it is a good location, dependent on factors such as staffing, lighting and exits.
Insufficiently lit or darker areas on the exterior or interior of your restaurant allow more opportunity for criminals to take advantage of your business. Having a well lit parking area, restaurant and exterior areas reduces this.
2) Surveillance & Alarm Systems
Installing a high-quality verified alarm and CCTV system (such as Sonitrol’s industry leading Security System) both inside and outside the restaurant is advised, with a good level of cover on the front. Having these systems in place is a deterrent to would-be criminals, and in the event of a break-in, ensures a swift police response.
Sonitrol alarms have apprehended over 175,000 criminals since 1977. We are proud to have the highest documented criminal apprehension rate and lowest security false alarm rate in the industry, and importantly, criminals and law enforcement recognize the Sonitrol brand.
3) Managed Access Control
More and more restaurants are implementing Managed Access Control systems at their location, steering away from the standard lock and key security. Managed Access Control is a form of keyless entry, where you can limit certain employees access outside of their working hours or in certain areas.
Managed Access Control can also be used to limit access to high priced or valuable items, from food to cash to liquor, allowing for a tight lockdown on your resturant's security.
4) Staff Training
Having employees who are aptly trained and familiar with your procedures, policies and systems allows for a more secure restaurant and keeps your staff feeling comfortable. In addition to training, your employees should have a way to report any shrinkage or theft.
Sonitrol specialises in security systems for commercial businesses, construction, retail, industrial sites, warehouses, compounds, and restaurants. Whatever your security needs we can help you identify the best security technology and provide an integrated approach to protecting your business and your assets.
Contact us to discuss your needs, or click the button below to request a free security audit of your restuarant.
