Business Crime Prevention

Essential Staff Safety & Security Reference

PRIORITY ONE: Your life and safety are worth more than money. In any incident, personal safety must always take priority over the recovery of goods.

Staff Interaction

  • Professional Presence: Greet and acknowledge each customer immediately to deter potential thieves.
  • Trust Instincts: Approach suspicious individuals politely to offer assistance multiple times.
  • Aggressive Behavior: Remain calm; never turn your back on an aggressive customer.

Robbery & Theft

  • During a Robbery: Stay calm, do exactly what you are told, and do not play the “hero”.
  • Post-Incident: Call 111 once safe; do not touch anything the offenders handled.
  • Apprehension: Better to let a suspect go than risk assault.

Operation SNAP

  • Asset Listing: Use snap.org.nz to maintain a secure list of business assets and serial numbers.
  • Theft Prevention: Registered items are significantly harder for criminals to sell.

Trespass Procedures

  • The 2-Year Rule: Use a notice to legally ban individuals for up to two years.
  • Legal Forms: Download official templates at police.govt.nz.

Employee Misconduct

  • Misconduct Guidance: View legal definitions and steps at employment.govt.nz.
  • Culture: Establish clear anti-theft policies and share responsibility for stock loss.

Crimestoppers

  • 100% Anonymous: Report information about a crime without revealing your identity.
  • Contact: Call 0800 555 111 or use the form at crimestoppers-nz.org.

For comprehensive procedures, please refer to the full New Zealand Police guide.

Download Full Prevention Guide (PDF)

Operation SNAP

  • Asset Listing: Use snap.org.nz to maintain a secure, accessible list of business assets and serial numbers.
  • Police Integration: In the event of a burglary, your asset list can be retrieved and forwarded directly to the Police and insurers.
  • Theft Prevention: Registered serial numbers make it significantly harder for criminals to sell your stolen goods.

Internal Integrity

  • Culture of Honesty: Create an environment where theft is not tolerated and responsibilities are shared.
  • Misconduct Guidance: Access legal guidelines for managing employee theft at employment.govt.nz.
  • Independent Audits: Use auditors at irregular times to check cash flow and stock levels.

Trespass Procedures

  • The 2-Year Rule: A trespass notice makes it illegal for an individual to return to your shop for up to two years.
  • Official Forms: Download written notice templates directly from police.govt.nz.
  • Breach of Notice: If a trespassed person returns, they have committed an offence—call 111 immediately.

Global Support Tools

  • Language Line: Access free telephone interpreting when contacting Police at police.govt.nz (9am–6pm, Mon–Fri).
  • Crimestoppers: Report crime 100% anonymously via 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-nz.org.
  • Business Support: Join local business groups to set up “telephone trees” and share knowledge on local crime trends.

A Shared Responsibility

Effective crime prevention begins with a well-trained team and a culture of shared responsibility.
By implementing these strategies, you help make your business a safer environment for your staff
and the wider community.

Next Step: For personalized advice specific to your premises, we strongly recommend
contacting your Local Community Constable. You can find their contact details
through your local police station or at www.police.govt.nz.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is general in nature and intended solely for
informational and educational purposes. Every situation is unique; please consult with
qualified professionals for specific legal or safety advice.