Licensees put on red alert following gaming machine and alcohol thefts

LICENSEES in the Warrington area are being warned to be extra vigilant and review their security following three recent incidents involving cash from gaming machines and bottles of spirits being stolen.
Cheshire Police’s Crime Reduction Adviser says cash from vending or gaming machines should be emptied every day to make them less of a target.
Consideration could be given to place signs in prominent places visible to the public from outside the premises indicating that no cash is left overnight in vending machines. The decision to do this must be balanced with the possibility of criminals attempting to gain access to any safe within the premises, particularly if the safe is situated in the staff accommodation area.
Removing all cash from tills on a daily basis is also good practice, and tills should be left open to indicate it is empty. Money should be banked or placed in an appropriate safe.
Security devices can be purchased for gaming machines to secure them to a wall or floor to help prevent the machine itself being removed or to prevent access to the money containers. Movement sensitive alarm systems may also be considered in certain circumstances. Consider placing gaming machines away from accessible windows and doors.
Stocks of spirits and cigarettes should be kept in a secure store within the premises and should be alarmed.
Consider doing a full audit of the security alarm to ensure all areas are covered particularly vulnerable areas such as the till area and areas of high value stock. Where CCTV is fitted please ensure that it complies with Cheshire Police guidelines (CCTV systems within licensed premises).
Good Internal lighting which is either alarm or PIR activated may deter a criminal from remaining within the building and can assist in providing identifiable images on a CCTV system.
Consideration could also be given to installing a forensic marking system in conjunction with the alarm system. The deterrent effect of this is achieved through high visibility signage.
Further information on security products including doors, windows, locks, and forensic marking can be found at the Association of Chief Police Officers approved product site ‘Secured by Design’ www.securedbydesign.com. If you require any further security advice please contact [email protected]
If you have any information about crime please contact Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.