---
title: How to Prevent Charity Box Theft This Holiday Season in Your Retail Store or Business
description: Generally, we trust the goodness of others to keep these charity boxes safe – after all who would steal from charity?.. How can retail business owners like you keep donation boxes secure during the holiday season? 
image: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/rs7mw80VV65zXsleqz0Wz1tl1tkQRM2FFoVKJcVnB0PN-8Np18H-MEO4E_XPdthy9qmuzgPlZ2FAwjybluEAgH4yeRWx6dfDgtnaXE3Tttu-Q8RkeDVMzDtUybIuAYK8bQ=s1600
---

[Blog](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog)

[Categories](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/how-to-prevent-charity-box-theft-this-holiday-season-in-your-retail-store-or-business#)

- [Verified Security Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-security-alarms)
- [Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security)
- [CCTV Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-video-surveillance)
- [Retail Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail-security)
- [Security Tips](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-tips)
- [Building Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/building-access-control)
- [Office Workplace Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/office-workplace-security)
- [Verified Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-video-surveillance)
- [SonaVision Online Monitoring](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/sonavision-online-monitoring)
- [Prevent False Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/prevent-false-alarms)
- [Verified Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-alarms)
- [Security for Construction Sites](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-construction-sites)
- [Construction Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/construction-security)
- [Office Building Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/office-building-security)
- [Security for Auto Dealerships](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-auto-dealerships)
- [Restaurant Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/restaurant-security)
- [Monitored Audio Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/monitored-audio-alarms)
- [CCTV](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv)
- [Pharmacy and Drug Store Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/pharmacy-and-drug-store-security)
- [Security Audit](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-audit)
- [Small Business Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/small-business-security)
- [Managed Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/managed-access-control)
- [Prevent Copper Theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/prevent-copper-theft)
- [Security for Fenced Compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-fenced-compounds)
- [False Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/false-alarms)
- [Police Response to Sonitrol](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/police-response-to-sonitrol)
- [Security for Marijuana Grow-Ops](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-marijuana-grow-ops)
- [Crime Prevention Tips](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/crime-prevention-tips)
- [Security Systems for Schools](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-systems-for-schools)
- [CCTV Versus Sonavision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-versus-sonavision)
- [School Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/school-security)
- [Security for Pharmacies](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-pharmacies)
- [Security for Warehouses & Manufacturing](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-warehouses-manufacturing)
- [Fenced Compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fenced-compounds)
- [Government Building Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/government-building-security)
- [Business Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/business-security)
- [Keyless Entry](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/keyless-entry)
- [Police Response Times](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/police-response-times)
- [Professional Office Seccurity](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/professional-office-seccurity)
- [Security for Place of Worship](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-place-of-worship)
- [SonaVision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/sonavision)
- [Automotive](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/automotive)
- [Dealerships](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/dealerships)
- [Keyless Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/keyless-access-control)
- [Retail](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail)
- [Verified Reponse](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-reponse)
- [Copper Theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/copper-theft)
- [Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/surveillance)
- [Workplace security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/workplace-security)
- [vandalism](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/vandalism)
- [Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/access-control)
- [Audio Intrusion](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/audio-intrusion)
- [Equipment](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/equipment)
- [Financial Institutions](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/financial-institutions)
- [Legal Marijuana Grow-Op Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/legal-marijuana-grow-op-security)
- [Offices](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/offices)
- [Place of Worship](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/place-of-worship)
- [commercial security audit](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security-audit)
- [Cannabis Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cannabis-security)
- [Church](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/church)
- [Criminal Apprehension](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-apprehension)
- [Guaranteed Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/guaranteed-commercial-security)
- [Restaurants](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/restaurants)
- [employee theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/employee-theft)
- [Construction](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/construction)
- [False Alarm Permits](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/false-alarm-permits)
- [Fraud](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fraud)
- [Government Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/government-security)
- [Technology](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/technology)
- [criminal captures](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-captures)
- [education](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/education)

# How to Prevent Charity Box Theft This Holiday Season in Your Retail Store or Business

![Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/joe-blog-avatar.png?width=50&height=50&name=joe-blog-avatar.png)

 by [Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/author/joe-wilson)

November 02, 2021

**![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/rs7mw80VV65zXsleqz0Wz1tl1tkQRM2FFoVKJcVnB0PN-8Np18H-MEO4E_XPdthy9qmuzgPlZ2FAwjybluEAgH4yeRWx6dfDgtnaXE3Tttu-Q8RkeDVMzDtUybIuAYK8bQ=s1600)**

It’s not uncommon to find charity boxes and collections at businesses throughout the year but as we move into the holiday season, they will be more and more common. This may include food and toy drives, collection kettles, countertop boxes and more. 

Generally, we trust the goodness of others to keep these charity boxes safe – after all who would steal from charity? But as a [recent case in Kelowna, BC](https://globalnews.ca/news/8141379/kelowna-donation-box-theft/) shows, not even charitable contributions are safe from criminals. 

So how can retail business owners like you [keep donation boxes secure](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/security-solutions) during the holiday season? 

1. If possible don’t leave donations out in the open. Keep them in your till or a locked safe or room. 
2. If you’re collecting counter donations, avoid using open containers. Instead, opt for enclosed acrylic donation boxes with locks on them. You may also want to chain them to the counter. 
3. When possible, have someone manning donation kettles and boxes. Having someone watching the donations at all times can help make stealing less attractive. 
4. If you are collecting larger donations like food or toys and want to have it on display to engage other customers and show goodwill, make sure they are in an enclosure of some type. This may include a large cage, fenced in area or a large box that is hard to reach into. Also, consider only leaving some of the donations out for people to see and have the remainder in a secure room. 

**How additional security technology, and verified solutions, can help**

If you don’t already, you will also want to consider installing a retail [security system](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/integrated-security-technology-for-commercial-security-alarms) or updating your current technology. This will not only protect donations but also staff, customers and other business assets as well. 

If you are storing donations in a closet or office, you should install [managed access controls](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/keyless-access-managed-access-control-office-building-security) to limit who is able to go into the space. These controls, which are keyless and record who goes in and out of a room, can be used to protect document storage, server rooms, high valued inventory and other areas of your building that should have limited access. 

In addition to monitored access, you may want to install a [verified audio and visual surveillance solution](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/sonitrol-verified-alarms-vs-conventional-alarms). 

Verified security is monitored 24/7 by a [central monitoring station](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/central-video-cctv-audio-monitoring) operated by security professionals. At [Sonitrol](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/), you will have dedicated security operators that you can speak to directly. They will become familiar with both your building and your business so that they can provide the best service possible. 

If theft or other emergency happens, they will contact local authorities who respond to our verified alarms faster than traditional alarm systems. This not only reduces losses by your company, but increases the chances of apprehending the criminal as audio and video are monitored and relayed back to the authorities in real time. 

A verified alarm system will help ensure that the holidays go as planned and everything is kept safe, including your donations, your staff and your customers. 

For more information on how Sonitrol can protect your business during the holidays and year-round, [please contact us today for a free security plan](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/free-commercial-security-plan-for-your-business-is-your-cctv-system-working-and-is-your-business-secure?hsCtaTracking=e02d44aa-2c09-424c-8a51-0fc54aa443e9%7Cfcd1474f-5260-4335-b5bc-67025daaa1e3). 

[![Download Free Retail Security eBook Verified Alarm](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/84a47eb7-2bf7-49cf-aa71-f44d80380ccb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/84a47eb7-2bf7-49cf-aa71-f44d80380ccb)

**Tags: **

[Verified Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-video-surveillance)

![Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/joe-blog-avatar.png?width=50&height=50&name=joe-blog-avatar.png)

Post by [Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/author/joe-wilson)  
 November 02, 2021

 We provide our customers with the best commercial security solutions and quality service backed by our unique Guarantee and Commitment to Service. It's something unverified conventional alarm companies simply cannot guarantee!

### Related Articles

##### [![What Your AI Camera Can't See: Commercial Security Systems in 2026](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Security%20in%202026%20Whats%20Changed%2c%20What%20Hasnt%2c%20and%20What%20Your%20Business%20Actually%20Needs%20Blog%20Post.png?width=520&height=294&name=Security%20in%202026%20Whats%20Changed%2c%20What%20Hasnt%2c%20and%20What%20Your%20Business%20Actually%20Needs%20Blog%20Post.png) Verified Video Surveillance • June 05, 2026 What Your AI Camera Can't See: Commercial Security Systems in 2026 8 min read](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/what-your-ai-camera-cant-see-commercial-security-systems-2026)

##### [![How to Stop Break-Ins at Commercial Properties and Why Most Businesses Are Getting It Wrong](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/How%20to%20Stop%20Break-Ins%20at%20Commercial%20Properties%20and%20Why%20Most%20Businesses%20Are%20Getting%20It%20Wrong.jpg?width=520&height=294&name=How%20to%20Stop%20Break-Ins%20at%20Commercial%20Properties%20and%20Why%20Most%20Businesses%20Are%20Getting%20It%20Wrong.jpg) Verified Video Surveillance • April 27, 2026 How to Stop Break-Ins at Commercial Properties and Why Most Businesses Are Getting It Wrong 8 min read](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/how-to-stop-break-ins-at-commercial-properties-and-why-most-businesses-are-getting-it-wrong)

##### [![Are Business Alarm Systems Worth it? A Risk-Based Breakdown](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sonitrol%20(2)-1.png?width=520&height=294&name=Sonitrol%20(2)-1.png) Verified Video Surveillance • March 23, 2026 Are Business Alarm Systems Worth it? A Risk-Based Breakdown 4 min read](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/are-business-alarm-systems-worth-it-a-risk-based-breakdown)

### Subscribe to Sonitrol Blog Updates

Stay up to date with the industry's leading news, products and information.

###### Recent Posts

- [What Your AI Camera Can't See: Commercial Security Systems in 2026](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/what-your-ai-camera-cant-see-commercial-security-systems-2026)
- [How to Stop Break-Ins at Commercial Properties and Why Most Businesses Are Getting It Wrong](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/how-to-stop-break-ins-at-commercial-properties-and-why-most-businesses-are-getting-it-wrong)
- [Are Business Alarm Systems Worth it? A Risk-Based Breakdown](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/are-business-alarm-systems-worth-it-a-risk-based-breakdown)
- [Why Businesses Switch to Sonitrol Verified Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/why-businesses-switch-to-sonitrol-verified-security)
- [Why Every Business Should Get a Commercial Security Audit Before Choosing a System](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/why-every-business-should-get-a-commercial-security-audit-before-choosing-a-system)

![sonitrol-guide](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/sonitrol-guide.png?width=219&height=200&name=sonitrol-guide.png)

##### Learn what the competition isn't telling you about commercial security systems

Become a more informed security system buyer, as this guide explains in detail why conventional alarms are ineffective, and could make your business vulnerable to theft and robbery.

[Download Guide](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/25-misconceptions-about-commercial-alarm-systems-and-problems-with-conventional-cctv-alarms)

![book-light (2)](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/book-light%20(2).svg) ![book-light (2)](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/book-light%20(2).svg)

Free eBook: Learn What The Competition Isn't Telling You About Commercial Security Systems

#### There are lots of problems with conventional, commercial security alarm systems that you need to know about.

Become a more informed security system buyer, as this guide explains in detail why conventional alarms are ineffective and could make your business vulnerable to theft and robbery.

[![Read the Free Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/74f580dc-96d9-4e5a-bd7c-ff3d4a60f554.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/74f580dc-96d9-4e5a-bd7c-ff3d4a60f554)