Institute Of Hotel Security Management

The design of the reception can also reduce crime. All access to bedroom floors should pass by the manned reception area. Reception areas may be the weakest point in hotel security, people are meant to be there, why look? Because the best place to hide something is right under your nose. Professional undesirable and opportunists will always find the weakest point and if not caught will return.

Do you do any of the following?
The biggest concerns for security within the hotel are;

• Guest's bags shouldn't be left unattended, even at the reception desk.
• Keys left on the reception with the room number on them,
• Transactions with cards or cheques, over the limit? Transax them, its free.
• Personal possessions of both guests and staff i.e. handbags, briefcases, mobile phones unattended.
• Reception desks left open and unattended.
• Safe or cash boxes left open or with keys in them.
• Remember, all staff are responsible for safety and security.
  

Intruder alarms which call the police, or reception at least must be installed and maintained by a company belonging to a nationally recognised body. We suggest something like the Win Pac system by Blic, can also be linked to the pagers. CCTV should always be recorded and monitored as much as possible. Colour cameras are better for identifying offenders, black and white cameras are better at night, there are now dual purpose systems..

Counterfeit currency notes are in circulation and there are available a number of means of identifying these forgeries, which should be available where cash is received. Detection is improving, but remember, the best method is staff vigilance. A detector pen costs less than a forged note.

Cash drawers should always be locked and keys never left in the locks. Consider making float holders responsible for their floats. When cash rounds are done, vary times and routes. Always use at least two persons for carrying cash. Cash must never be left unattended.

Guest keys should not be given without proper identification. A key deposit system at reception for guests should be encouraged. Bedroom doors open should be closed. A really good key system, is the Alstrom, Cegelec or Ving card. These can record key use and can be cancelled within seconds. If you do use punched keys or key fobs, use your UV pen to write the number.

Personal Safety is an issue for every individual and employer.  Reduce the risks of violence at work; radios should work in all hotel areas. Don't skimp on radios, the little ones from stores are not the best in all areas. Look at something like the Motorola GP340's. In the event of an incident, consider coded assistance calls, and not "code red", but 'Mr Anderson' is needed in the boiler room or wherever. Undesirables may carry radio scanners.

Schemes like the Major Hotel Group or Hotel Watch are formal associations between neighbouring hotels and guest houses which have proven effective in reducing local crime: Giving early warning of activity through established ring rounds, or radio links. Local police should be invited in on any security meetings or for FREE advice. Make sure all your staff know the local police station number or where to find it quickly. Fast accurate information is the key to dealing with suspicious activity and catching offenders. Remember to note: descriptions of people, their clothes and any distinguishing marks, descriptions and registration marks of vehicles used, any words spoken, details of accents etc.

Baring people - you have right of admission in the same way a night club does. its your property. get a barring notice.