• Clear windows to increase visibility from the street. When passers-by can see what is happening inside, there is a greater risk to the robber.
   
• Good lighting of all areas of the parking lot and around the building. This will eliminate places where people can hide and will permit others to "see what's happening."
   
• Use of a drop-safe so that there is never more than $50 cash in the drawer. Drop safes don't have to be large or expensive and are easy to install.
   
• Posted signs about low cash on hand. Let the criminals know that they won't get much and it's not worth the risk!
   
• Trained employees on prevention and response procedures. Establish a robbery prevention checklist and include regular training for all staff members. Include directions to cooperate (do not resist) with any person who threatens personal harm.
   
• A surveillance camera that is visible in the reception/waiting area.
   
• Controlled access for the public with automatically locking doors. Simply using "one-way" doors between the reception/waiting room and the rest of the hospital can give the staff extra time to summon help if someone becomes hostile or threatening.
  
• Making sure the "employee entrance" door is locked at all times. Many practices have found that installing a "keyless" entry system like the one pictured here not only alleviates the locked door problem, but also makes it easy when staff members leave - you don't have to change locks; you just change the combination. Click here to view our "Suggested Sources Sheet" for keyless locks.
   
• Use of an electronic alarm system with a "panic button" feature to summon assistance quickly. Most alarm monitoring companies provide continual protection for a very modest fee.
   
• Removal of cash from the drawer at night and leaving the drawer open.
   
• Counting cash away from front desk and windows.
   
• Specific security issues when employees must work alone. According to every study thus far, businesses with a single employee on duty were most at risk of robbery. Establish "accountability" routines when a staff member has to go to the practice for emergencies or other business during non-operational hours.
   
• Installation of peep holes or small windows in exterior doors so that the staff can see outside before opening the door.
   
• Storage of money (including checks and credit card slips) in a secure safe awaiting deposits. Deposits should be made daily to keep the amount of monies on hand to the minimum necessary for operations.
   
• No one action alone will deter crime, but by combining all of these elements into a prevention program, the business becomes a less inviting target for the planned crime.
   

Perhaps the best way to "crime-proof" the practice is to consult the local police. Most police departments have a crime prevention unit with the sole purpose of providing advice about security, crime prevention and personal safety. The best part of that service is that it's usually free!

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