Restaurant Security Guide: Protecting Atlanta Eateries from Crime

## Securing Atlanta's Restaurants and Food Service Businesses Atlanta's diverse culinary scene spans everything from fine dining in Buckhead to neighborhood eateries in Decatur, food halls in Ponce City Market to late-night spots in Midtown. Each faces unique security challenges that require thoughtful solutions. ## Common Security Threats to Restaurants ### Cash-Related Crimes Restaurants handle significant cash, making them targets for robberies during operating hours, safe burglaries after closing, employee cash theft and skimming, register shortages, and cash-in-transit theft during bank deposits. ### After-Hours Break-Ins Closed restaurants are vulnerable to forced entry through back doors, broken glass storefronts, alarm bypassing attempts, and theft of equipment, liquor, and supplies. ### Employee-Related Issues Staff turnover in food service creates security challenges including former employees returning with keys, shared codes and access credentials, internal theft of inventory and supplies, and unauthorized after-hours access. ## Essential Security Measures for Restaurants ### Back Door and Delivery Access Control The back door is often the weakest point in restaurant security. Solutions include commercial-grade locks and deadbolts, keypad or card access that logs entries, automatic relocking after deliveries, alarm contacts on all exterior doors, and camera coverage of receiving areas. ### Cash Management Systems Reduce cash-related crimes with smart safes that count and store cash securely, drop safes for shift deposits, time-delay safes that deter robberies, limited register cash with frequent drops, and armored car pickup instead of bank runs. ### Video Surveillance Strategy Camera placement for restaurants should cover point of sale and cash handling, back door and delivery entrance, dry storage and walk-in coolers, front entrance and dining areas, parking lot and exterior, and dumpster and side door areas. Modern systems allow owners to check in remotely, receive alerts for after-hours activity, and provide evidence for any incidents. ### Lighting and Visibility Criminals target poorly lit restaurants. Security lighting should illuminate back entrances and dumpster areas, keep parking lots bright throughout operating hours, use motion-activated lights for closed periods, and maintain interior visibility from the street. ## Late-Night Restaurant Considerations Restaurants open late face additional challenges. Security measures should include panic buttons at registers and manager stations, cash drop procedures before late-night hours, buddy system for closing procedures, police notification of operating hours, and visible security presence during peak crime hours. ## Atlanta Restaurant Security Experts Alex Access Control has secured restaurants throughout Metro Atlanta, from quick-service chains to fine dining establishments. We understand the unique operational needs of food service and design security that protects without disrupting service. Contact us for a security assessment of your restaurant and discover solutions tailored to food service operations.