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What Are the Important Features To Look For in Retail Security Packaging for Cash Deposits?

August 2, 2021

As retailers continue to look for solutions that optimize their operations, many retail security companies have developed solutions that successfully protect high-value assets like merchandise and cash. In addition to storing and transporting these assets, companies that create well-made retail security packaging also help retailers to streamline the behind-the-scenes processes of handling these assets. This enables retailers to save even more time and money.

In this blog, we’ll go over the most popular solutions developed by retail security companies, including tamper-evident cash bags and other types of retail security packaging.

What are Tamper Evident Cash Bags?

Although traditional cash bags are reusable, they lack many of the security features that make tamper evident cash bags an ideal solution for banks. For example, if a thief uses a lockpick to defeat a lock on a fabric cash bag, takes the cash inside the bag and then relocks the bag, there is no evidence that the cash bag was compromised at all. This makes it difficult for retailers to determine where to start their investigation into potential cash theft.

In comparison, the safety features of tamper-evident cash bags make it incredibly difficult to hide any tampering, even if a skilled thief breaches the bag. One specific technique for opening tamper-evident bags is to cut the edge of the bag and then reseal it with glue or apply heat to melt the plastic together. However, many tamper evident cash bags feature microprinting along the seams, making it nearly impossible for a thief to match up the edges and steal cash without a trace.

If you’re concerned that a plastic bag would not be able to withstand the vigor of both the retail and cash transport environments, that’s no longer the case with today’s tamper-evident cash bags. High-quality tamper-evident deposit bags are made with specific resins to create a material that is incredibly durable while still remaining light to reduce shipping costs. Even tamper-evident coin bags are designed to carry heavy coin deposits without bursting from the weight.

Why Businesses Use Plastic Tamper Evident Coin Bags

If inferior, weak coin bags are used, bags can rip in transit or tear when handled internally. Additionally, they are easier to tamper with and can really sting one’s loss prevention, as well as cause institutes to lose face with their customers.

Meeting the VPC (Vault Process Certification) standards for performance and security, the CoinLOK bag is made from construction materials that are virtually tear-proof, making this one of the most widely used coin bags among big banks and courier companies located all over the country. The CoinLOK tamper-evident bag boasts a tamper-resistant closure with a powerful adhesive adding to the product’s security while in transit. These coin bags also come with a reinforced die-cut handle fortified with a triple-ply film that can withstand 100 pounds of pressure in a stretch test.

5 Features to Look for in Retail Security Packaging for Cash Deposits

Because there are many ways a thief could try to open a cash deposit bag, most tamper-evident deposit bags have multiple security features that detect different tampering methods. Below is a list of the common features of the most effective retail security packaging:

  1. Void Message

Most tamper-evident bags feature void messages in multiple areas. The most common use of a void message is as part of a void seal: When the seal is broken, it leaves behind an obvious void message to indicate the seal has been removed.

A void message is typically a brightly colored pattern with the word “void” repeated, making it very easy to spot so you can investigate why the bag has been opened as early as possible.

  1. Freezing and Heating Attempt Detection

Some tamper-evident bags can be defeated with extreme changes in temperature and then easily resealed. If a thief attempts to breach the bag by applying freezing cold air or a heat gun to the seal, they are likely to encounter another security feature: freezing and heating attempt detection.

Freezing and heat detection technology use temperature-reactive ink to indicate if someone tried to open a bag by freezing or heating the seal. If the bag is exposed to temperatures extreme enough to compromise its integrity, it will reveal a high-visibility void message signaling a tampering attempt.

Many tamper-evident deposit bags feature different void messages for freezing and heat detection so businesses can determine how the bag was opened to aid their investigation. Freezing detection typically uses a blue void message while heat detection uses a red void message.

  1. Microprinting

Microprinting is a simple but highly effective security feature found in many tamper evident cash bags. In this tamper-evident feature, a bag has a security border along its seams with a microprinted design.

The tiny details of the design make it nearly impossible for a thief to use more covert ways to open a bag, such as cutting and resealing the edge of a bag. Even if the thief does manage to steal cash from a bag, the microprinting would clearly indicate a tampering attempt so you can look into the issue as soon as possible.

  1. High Visibility Details

Most retail security packaging has space to describe its contents, where they should go, and to prevent mislabeling or miscounting. Most retail security companies print important identification information, like serial numbers and barcodes, very large so they can be seen on security camera feeds. A bag can then be tracked by its sequential number so it can’t be switched or confused with another, ensuring the integrity of your cash supply chain.

  1. Durable Closure

The CONTROLTEK Press2Lok closure seals by simple pressing. The TripLOK™ bag, which is the most widely used tamper evident cash bags of its kind in the banking industry, has a triple-seal closure with an interior adhesive so there are no openings once the bag is sealed.

Partner with CONTROLTEK for Retail Security Packaging Today

CONTROLTEK is a family-owned business established in 1976. Today, the company operates on three continents and has a state-of-the-art logistics network designed to meet financial, banking and retail customer needs. From cash security solutions like tamper-evident cash bags and coin bags, to retail security packaging and inventory control solutions, we help customers save money while securing your operations. Call CONTROLTEK today and learn how we can help to take your organization to the next level.