Abstract: A cash register alarm and recording system is provided which continuously records the audible and/or visual environment in the vicinity of a cash register or other high value location on one channel of a continuous loop tape. A time code is continuously recorded on a second channel of the tape. In the event of an attempted robbery from the cash register operated either by the thief himself or under coercion by an attendant clerk an automatic police alarm device dials the police department and transmits a voice alarm message giving the location of the cash register and the fact that there is an occurrence of a threatened robbery. Simultaneously with the initiation of the alarm message a recorder timer begins its timing cycle. The message of the timing cycle is approximately half the length of the continuous loop tape.