Restaurants can often make easy targets for would-be burglaries. According to the FBI, restaurant burglaries are in the top 10 location types that criminals will hit. They are easy marks for multiple reasons:

1. They often have vast amounts of cash on hand.
2. Employees often have cash on hand and make easy targets to rob after-hours.
3. Employee theft is also relatively easy to get away with.
4. There are often multiple items criminals could steal such as alcohol or expensive bar items.  

Restaurant security systems can not only protect against financial loss but also ensure the safety and confidence of both staff and customers. It can also give you general peace of mind. Here’s how:

What is a Restaurant Security System?

At its core, a restaurant security system is a set of tools (cameras, access systems, etc.) designed to protect your business, staff, and even customers. There is no set “security system,” most restaurants use a combination of tools to have security. Moreover, businesses can use a number of tricks and tools without investing in a whole system to make their business safer. 

Core Objectives of a Restaurant Security System

There are a couple of main objectives that you should try to focus on when choosing a system:

• Protection of assets like cash, inventory, equipment, and data.
• Safety of staff and customers even during off-hours.
• Theft and fraud prevention from outside criminals and employees.
• Compliance with regulations.

Types of Threats Addressed

• Burglary or robberies during/after operational hours.
• Fraud or theft from employees.
• Minimizing damage or vandalism.

Essential Components of a Restaurant Security System

As mentioned above, a restaurant security system consists of various components. This system is often dependent on the location and how much the business can afford. Oftentimes, businesses will upgrade their system over time and tailor their security solutions to their needs. Here are some components that make up most systems:

Access Control

Access control is a combination of software and hardware to limit access to buildings, rooms, or specific places with the use of locks. Those locks can be physical locks requiring only a key, or more advanced options like key card entry. It ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive areas, such as where money is stored or where private information is kept. This method of improving building security can include:

• Biometric scanners that use fingerprints, and retinas, and scan an employee into a location.
• Keycard/key fob systems that allow for access based on the classification of an employee. For instance, they could get in the back door, but not an office space.
• Mobile application that allows employees to access certain areas or clock in when in a specific geolocation.
• Keypad with a specific code to enter specific spaces.

Security Cameras

Video surveillance is one of the most common security systems and serves numerous applications in a restaurant setting.

• Acts as a deterrent for criminals.
• Monitor the restaurant, guests, entrances, exits, and employees. You have a record of events going on at your business.
• Remote viewing of the restaurant even when you aren’t there.

Investment in Payment Security 

Since most businesses have incorporated credit/debit cards, safeguarding the payment process is vital to avoid fraud and secure client information. Using a secure POS is key to a restaurant security system. You’ll want to use things like:

• You’ll want a POS system that has end-to-end encryption.
• Make sure your POS system follows the PCI DSS standards.
• Using a tableside POS system that allows customers to see where and how their cards are used.
• Used itemized ticketing and limits who has access to specific records. This can help prevent employee theft.

Data Security

Protecting customer data is one of the most crucial aspects of businesses today. It’s important to make sure you take the necessary precautions such as:

• Strong authentication methods such as two-factor authentication for your POS.
• Regular software updates.
• Special security software to protect computers or POS systems connected to the internet.

Safe Installation

In order to store the majority of the cash a restaurant may have on hand; they will often use a safe of some sort. Now, every business uses a different type of safe and there are many types. It is essential to place the safe in a discreet, secured location within the restaurant, with limited access to authorized personnel only.

Preventing and Responding to Incidents

A security system should not only prevent break-ins but also offer procedures for a fast response when incidents occur. You want to institute policies and tools to help your team be safe even when something does occur.

Panic Buttons

Panic buttons can alert police or security personnel when issues (like a robbery) are taking place. These panic buttons can be placed discreetly around the restaurant or in very specific locations. This can be especially helpful for bars or late-night restaurants which often house events. Employees can hit a panic button to alert security to an unruly patron. Panic buttons can be a part of your overall emergency response plan. Training ensures that all personnel are ready to respond quickly and efficiently, reducing danger and misunderstanding in crucial situations.

Regular Audits

Regular reviews of surveillance video and transaction data are crucial for preventing theft and detecting suspect conduct early on. This is extremely true for employees who may try to overcharge for food, change a tip, or engage in some other fraudulent activity.

These audits have two purposes: they operate as a preventative step by helping prevent both internal and external theft, and they are critical for gathering evidence in the case of a crime.

Lighting

Proper lighting, particularly in outdoor areas like parking lots and sidewalks, considerably improves security by making sure there would be visibility of criminal activities if they were to happen. Having proper lighting can help protect employees when leaving late at night. Consider having lighting put up around your parking lot as that can help protect customers.

Training for Employees

Ongoing training for staff, whether it’s about theft or protecting themselves, is always important. This training is a great way to establish protocols and how to ensure everyone stays safe even during rowdy or late events.

Looking for Access Control for Your Restaurant?

Are you considering access control systems for your business? Not sure where to turn to and looking for a top system? Don’t worry, 360Connect can help! Just fill out our 1–2-minute form and we’ll contact you to verify your information and needs. From there, up to 5 suppliers will reach out to you with quotes. The process is free and easy to use.