ROBBERY PREVENTION

Robbery is the unlawful act of taking personal property from a person or in his presence, by means of force or fear of injury. Robbery is a violent crime. This may include the use of a weapon. Robbers often case for likely victims. Therefore, take measures to make your business less attractive to robbers. Keep in mind that robbers look for these elements: Surprise, Lack of witnesses, and Cash on Hand.

REDUCE YOUR RISK
  • Keep window and counters clear.
  • Use a drop safe. Keep very little cash in the register.
  • Display signs indicating employees do not have access to safe.
  • Be unpredictable about moving money from the store to the bank.
  • Keep doors to unauthorized areas locked.
  • Never REOPEN your business for anyone after you have closed.
  • Avoid working alone. If you must, keep a TV or radio playing in a back room to suggest someone else is present.
  • Use "Bait Money" and list serial and series numbers. Do not use these bills to make change.
  • ROBBERY PREVENTION
    Know what is happening outside the store or place of business.
    Record descriptions of suspicious persons or vehicles.
    Be alert to your customers and surroundings, especially at opening and closing.
    Greet all customers (make eye contact) as they enter the business.
    Move away from the register when there are not customers at the sales counter.
    Well-trained, highly visible security guards also seem to be a deterrent.
    Place colored height marks at all exists.
    Develop a mutual aid system. Form an agreement with nearby merchants to keep an eye on each other’s businesses and watch for suspicious activities.
    Install a holdup alarm video camera surveillance system with signs in visible locations.
    Train your employees on what to do during a robbery.