With that in mind, why do business owners and managers persist in counting out their cash register receipts in view of whoever might be passing by? That's just asking for trouble.

Cash should only be counted in the privacy of an office. If your establishment does not have an office, then the cash should be counted in the back room where there are no observers. Cash should not be allowed to accumulate in the register where everyone can see that the till is loaded when the cash drawer is open.

Excess cash, over and above change needs, should be "pulled" from the register on a regular basis and "dropped" in either a depository safe under the counter, or placed in the safe in the office until it's time to total out the day or a particular shift. And, such "pulls" and "drops" should be done in as unobtrusive manner as possible.

Good cash handling techniques dictate that you never turn away from an opened cash register drawer - even for a second. That you never leave the drawer open from one transaction to the next. And...to always be aware of others beside the customer that may be lingering around the register. After all, what do you REALLY have to lose?

For more information about depository safes (drop safes), undercounter safes, or burglar resistant safes, call your local locksmith.