Here is a series of posts to help you create a safe environment for your business, staff and assets.

ROBBERY

If someone threatens you with a weapon and demands money, give it to them – never refuse a robber!


Below are a few tips on how to prevent robbery:

  • Do not work alone. If you are alone, turn on a TV or radio in a back room so that potential robbers think that someone is with you.
  • Do not make bank deposits at the same time every day, rather vary them, so that no one can predict your schedule. Keep minimal cash in the drawer, so that if you are robbed, your loss is minimized.
  • Arrange your store so that the cash register is visible to passers by, and a potential robber would be seen from the street. Do not block the windows with posters that could block visibility from the street.
  • Put up clear signs that the safe requires a secondary key that is not on the premises.
  • If you do not have one, install a security alarm, and consider getting one with a panic button. Advertise that you have an alarm with clearly visible stickers. Make sure that your employees know how and when to use the panic button.
  • Talk to other stores in your area. Agree on keeping an eye on each other’s stores or buildings and to watch any suspicious activity.
  • Paint or stick a series of markings by the door at 1 foot increments so that it is easier to estimate a robber’s height as he leaves.
  • Record the serial number of the bottom bill in each drawer and instruct employees not use these bills.
  • Consider keeping “bait money” in a compartment of the cash register. The bills should be separated by face value and serial numbers recorded, so that they can be given to law enforcement officers if you are robbed.

If you are being robbed:

  • The most important rule if someone is threatening you with a weapon is to comply with their demands.
  • If you have a silent alarm and can activate it without being noticed, do so, otherwise wait until the robber has left.
  • Try to signal other employees with a pre-arranged signal, but avoid any sudden moves.
  • Try to get a good look at the suspect, so you can give a description to police officers.

After a robbery

  • Call 112 immediately from your cell
  • Immediately after calling the police, write down everything you can remember about the incident, and description of the robber, including:
    • Height
    • Weight
    • Colour of hair and eys
    • Race
    • Identifying features such as scars, tattoos, accent or anything unusual
    • Clothing
    • Weapon
    • Mannerisms
  • Try to get a look at the escape vehicle and license plate numbers and the direction of travel.
  • Keep everyone away from surfaces or objects the robber may have touched.

SHOPLIFTING

A shoplifter is a person who steals goods from a store while pretending to be a customer. Shoplifting can be done in one of two ways:

  • By concealing an item and walking out of the store
  • By keeping an item in plain view and walking out of the store.

In either case, it means a financial loss to the businesses they target.


There are several types of behaviours that shoplifters will exhibit, and a variety of techniques they will use to carry out their crime.

When honest customers shop, they will generally look at items, check the price and size, in an attempt to decide if they want, need or can afford the item. Shoplifters don’t generally exhibit this type of behaviour, instead of looking at the merchandise, they will look around for the store cameras and employees, in an attempt to avoid them. Some shoplifters will wear sunglasses inside the store to disguise the fact that they are not looking at items. If a shoplifter is offered service by an employee, they will generally give a vague answer like “just looking, thanks” in the hope that the employee will leave them alone to go about their business. 

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