In wake of publicity concerning restaurant skimming, it's time for all restaurant owners to review their security systems

When the Washington Post reported that eight servers from three restaurants were arrested for credit card skimming, it created a publicity nightmare for them.

Imagine, if you will, what longtime customers would think if they read that one of their favorite restaurants had servers had stolen their credit card. That's why restaurant owners should pay extra attention to the credit card processing system.

As most restaurant owners have contracts locking them into credit card processing systems, it's best for them to review the security features of their program with their sales representative before purchasing or upgrading one.

A system that isolates each staff member typically costs more than a regular system. So is the addition of security cameras in a restaurant that monitor credit payment systems. However, the extra cost is well justified if it prevents theft of a patron's credit card.