Security

Reducing theft

Remove friction for honest customers and opportunity for opportunistic loss.

• Use clear unit prices and simple payment instructions.
• Keep premium stock in smaller batches and replenish more often.
• Make the box visible from the property without creating a road distraction.
• Use tamper-evident packaging and a contact number for payment problems.
• Change cash-collection and restock times rather than publishing a routine.
• Record incidents by time, item and weather before changing the system.

CCTV

Use surveillance only for a defined, proportionate purpose.

1. Write the purpose and lawful basis before installation.
2. Check whether a less intrusive measure would work.
3. Aim cameras only at the necessary customer/payment area; avoid neighbours, homes and unnecessary road or footpath capture.
4. Display prominent signage explaining CCTV, purpose and contact details.
5. Secure access, disable unnecessary audio and use the shortest justified retention period.
6. Create a process for access requests, incidents and lawful disclosure.
7. Review the system and privacy information regularly.

Cash boxes

Make the cash harder to access and less rewarding to target.

• Anchor the box to structure, not just to a removable counter.
• Use a narrow anti-fishing slot and concealed internal fixings.
• Keep no float unless a supervised change system exists.
• Empty frequently and record removals away from public view.
• Position the box so an attack does not damage food storage or create sharp hazards.

Honesty systems

Trust works better with a clear, low-error transaction.

Stock management

You cannot manage loss you cannot distinguish from waste or counting errors.

1. Record opening quantity by product.
2. Record additions, removals, waste and samples.
3. Count closing stock at a consistent time.
4. Match expected revenue to each payment channel.
5. Calculate variance by product and day.
6. Change one control at a time and measure the result.

Weatherproofing

Security includes protecting stock, money and electrics from weather.

• Raise the structure and cash box above flood and splash levels.
• Use drip edges, drainage, sealed joints and wind-rated anchoring.
• Protect labels and QR signs from condensation and UV fading.
• Use outdoor-rated electrical equipment installed competently.
• Set closure triggers for heat, frost, flood, wind or refrigeration failure.
• Inspect after storms before reopening.