Published: Thursday, 26th November, 2009 4:30pm

Chamber joins forces with Gardai to provide security advice for businesses

Over twenty retail businesses attended the chambers retail security and fraud workshop recently in the Prince of Wales Hotel. Sgt John Connolly, Regional Crime Prevention officer, outlined a wide range of practical tips for businesses to assist them in combating retail crime, scams and fraud in the run up to Christmas.

Sgt Connolly strenuously advised businesses to train and give guidance to staff to be alert to the various dangers there are in a retail businesses. He outlined a number of practical simple steps staff can take to prevent opportunities for thefts. He pointed out what to do in various situation, particularly around distraction theft and procedures around opening and closing of premises.

Sgt Connolly presented in detail the steps businesses need to take and to how deal with shop lifters, burglaries, robberies, and fraud. He recommended the necessary locks business owners should use, gave advice on the range of and different types of CCTV, outlined the development of a prosecution policy and the need for the recording of contemporaneous notes and so on.

Carmel Connolly President Athlone Chamber said: "Everyone left with something practical that they could introduce immediately to prevent theft from their premises. With the introduction of town CCTV and the 26 cameras installed in the town, the chamber is looking forward to the implementation of the town-wide CCTV making Athlone a safe and secure place to shop.

Ms Connolly outlined: "This is a perfect example of the chamber working to assist businesses providing expert advice that will assist them is saving money, and we hope to present further workshop for businesses in the new year. "

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