Counter-Surveillance and Window Security for Retail Businesses

Theft from retail premises does not always involve force or a dramatic entry — a criminal who has observed your store layout, noted staff routines, and identified the position of your cash register can reach through a window or counter opening in seconds and take the drawer before anyone reacts. The surveillance phase is the most important part of this tactic: the thief scouts the location over multiple visits, identifies when staff are occupied or facing away, and selects a moment when the theft can be completed without confrontation or witness. The fact that a crime appears opportunistic in execution does not mean it was unplanned — it means the planning happened earlier and out of sight, during visits that looked routine.

Steps to follow:

• Position cash registers and cash drawers at least two arm-lengths from any window, counter opening, or entrance that is accessible from outside the premises.
• Brief all staff to notice and remember repeat visitors who observe the premises without making a purchase or inquiry — note their physical description and the timing of each appearance.
• If the same individual or vehicle is seen near your business on multiple days without apparent purpose, treat it as a surveillance indicator and report it to police before a theft occurs.
• Use a cash box or register lock whenever the counter is unattended, even briefly — do not rely on proximity or a “quick return” to protect an open drawer.
• If your premises has counter windows that remain open for service, fit them with a drop-down or sliding barrier that can be partially closed when not actively serving a customer.
• Review CCTV footage regularly — surveillance behaviour is often captured on camera before a theft takes place and provides valuable evidence if reported promptly.