Armed robbery is one of the most serious and potentially dangerous crimes committed today. A robber commits a holdup because he or she believes that their profit will be worth the risk. By decreasing the possible profit and increasing the risk of apprehension, potential victims can reduce their chance of becoming a target. Personal safety is always the most important consideration when planning how to react to an armed robbery. This page provides basic information that can and will diminish the chance of becoming a victim.
What to Do Before You Are Robbed
Businesses must face the possibility of robbery on their premises realistically, and they should prioritize security training. Employees should be trained in the latest methods of robbery prevention, which will improve their chances for safety and their ability to provide information that could help in the apprehension of the criminal. In addition, this preparation can lessen the emotional after effects of being involved in an armed robbery.
Opening and closing procedures should be established. These could include:
Maintain visibility throughout the store. Keep all doors and windows clear of signs and posters hindering visibility. Maintaining a clear field of vision allows people outside to see inside the store, which may deter some potential robbers. Also, keep aisles clear of signs and displays. Robbers don’t like to be observed, and eliminating hiding places helps to ensure they stay away.
Greet customers as they enter your store, making direct eye contact. This serves two purposes: it improves customer relations, and more importantly, it sends a message to anyone entering the store that they have been recognized.
Keep the facility well lit. Poor lighting can hamper visibility and create an environment that may be inviting to a robber.
Develop a cash control program. There is no better way to help prevent a robbery than by keeping the smallest amount of cash on the premises. No more than $50.00 should be kept in a cash register at any given time. Post a notice to that effect visible to the public.
Inform employees not to accept large bills during transactions. If money must be kept on the premises, store it in a locked safe and make frequent safe drops or bank deposits.
Make bank deposits on a routine basis utilizing either an armored car service or, if this is not feasible, vary routes to the bank and times of deposit. Take a second person along whenever possible.
If an alarm system is in use, clearly post a warning on the outside door of the facility. If the facility also has a duress alarm, do not use it during a robbery unless the situation is life threatening. Always report a non-life threatening crime over the telephone.
Remain alert and watchful for suspicious activity. If a suspicious person is observed, notify the police. Be cautious about answering questions concerning the facility. Questions relating to opening and closing times, the facility alarm system, how many employees are on duty at any given time, etc., should be red flags and should be a warning signals.
Lock the side and back doors to prevent undetected entry. The person in charge of the facility should have the only keys to these doors.
Take precautions during opening and closing of the facility. When opening the facility, always have two persons present. One person should enter the facility and conduct a visual check and then signal to the other using a predetermined sign that all is okay or another sign that there is trouble. During closing check all back rooms, restrooms, and closets to ensure no one remains in the facility.
What to do and what not to do during a Robbery
Do:
Remain calm. There is no need to bring undue attention to the situation. To do so could cause panic and endanger lives.
Cooperate with the robber. Robbers seldom hurt people who are willing to cooperate.
Handle the entire procedure as if you were with a customer. Slowing down your actions hoping that the police will arrive before the robber leaves only endangers lives.
Observe what the robber looks like and develop a mental picture so that an accurate description can be given to the police.
Tell the robber about any possible surprises such as a second employee working in a back room. Also, inform him/her if you must move in an unanticipated way.
Remember, your personal safety is the most important. Never take chances with your safety.
Do not:
Don’t argue or fight with the robber. Any amount of money is not worth personal injury.
Don’t try to persuade the robber to give himself/herself up. Once a robbery has started, it is too late for a robber to change his/her mind.
Don’t chase or follow the robber. Police could mistake you for the robber.
What to do after a Robbery:
Protect the crime scene. Leave everything as it is. Don’t try to clean up or touch any possible evidence.
Discontinue business and lock the facility.
Call the Police immediately at 9-1-1
Ask witnesses to stay until an officer arrives. If unable, write down their names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Write down a description of the robber including sex, race, height, weight, build, eye and hair color, scars or tattoos, jewelry, approximate age, and clothing. If possible, note in which direction the suspect fled.
What you can do right now:
Read the blog entry on How to be a Good Witness to understand how you and your employees can help identify bad actors. Remember, your personal safety is the most important. Never take chances with your personal safety.