Even in the digital age, many retailers still choose to trade in cash. Having cash at your business increases the risk of robberies and burglaries, and it is recommended that you accept digital payments where possible. If trading in cash suits your particular business, the ARA has pulled together the following tips and advice for handling cash safely.

Handling cash in store

• Use as small a cash float as practical for your business
• Install a safe and anchor it to the ground or to a wall
  • A drop safe with a chute is preferable to one that has to be opened in order to deposit cash
• Never leave cash in your business overnight. Leave the cash register open and empty to reduce the chance of burglars damaging your property only to realise there is no cash
• Do not count cash in public view. Make sure employees counting cash are in a safe and secure private area
• Do not discuss cash handling procedures in public.

Transporting cash

• Vary cash collection and transport times – do not have a predictable routine
• Use a professional security company to transport cash and implement a system to verify the identity of security guards. If this is not possible, then:
  • Consider doing a police check on employees who will be transporting cash
  • Vary the route and time of day
  • Make the journey at a busy time of day
  • If possible, travel to the bank in a vehicle and try not to use the same vehicle every time
  • Wear plain clothing rather than an employee uniform
  • Use unmarked and inconspicuous bags.