businesses in the wake of a number of serious robberies, including Thursday's at the Warwick Mini-Mart.

A brochure vailable from the Police Crime Prevention Units says: "Before any person can commit a robbery, they must have the ability, intention and opportunity to carry out the offence. There is not much that can be done to remove a criminal's intention or ability to steal, but it is important to reduce their opportunity to steal.

"Criminals will seek the easiest target which offers them the chance to steal the most at the least personal risk.'' Among the tips are: Two male staff members should open the business each day and ensure, before staff are allowed to enter, that no-one has hidden inside the building during the night.

At the end of the day, two male employees should check and lock up the premises.

Staff should watch all persons entering and leaving the premises carefully and report any suspicious activity to management.

Always require and check the photographic identification of service technicians, repairmen and trade representatives.

Make sure that there are proper locks on all doors and windows and install security glass where necessary.

Consider purchasing an audible or silent alarm system to back up your physical security. There are many types available including motion and heat detectors, panic buttons and magnetic door contacts.

Ideally only male employees should be responsible for making bank deposits.

They should never use the same route every day and they should vary the time of day they make the deposits.

The deposits can be disguised inside a rolled up newspaper, a briefcase a grocery bag or a lunch box. At no time should a staff member walk down the street with a deposit bag visible for everyone to see.

When closed for business, leave cash register drawers open and keep the float on the premises to an absolute minimum.